This is a course that runs over two sessions, the first one dealing with how to help someone through any crisis and the second session deals with helping someone going through the specific crisis of suicide. You will have to attend both sessions to gain certification.

Session One looks at what happens when we go into ‘crisis mode’. How it affects people generally, how they react, how it affects memory and emotions. We give you a model BECIES, to help you work through the crisis with someone. Finally we look at our own self-care practices as this is important not only for us but for the person in crisis too.

In Session Two, on 29th July from 9.30- 11.15am, we look at the specific crisis of suicide. Using BECIES we begin by exploring why suicide needs to be tackled, what happens when a person is suicidal, how it affects people generally, how they react, what we can witness and how to approach them. We show the most appropriate and gentle way to clarify if suicide is ‘on the table’ then what to do with each of the three potential answers. Once the person has agreed to get help, we take you through a very basic safety plan. Finally we emphasise the need for self-care having completed a suicide intervention. Finally we emphasise the need for self-care having completed a suicide intervention.

It may seem obvious but specifically Session Two of the course is about suicide, one of the most difficult subjects to talk about and understand. It has the potential to become very heavy, especially when people connect to what has happened in the past, or may have happened and potentially connecting with their own current thoughts of suicide. As trainers we would urge anyone with any doubts about attending the training to think very carefully about attendance.

We try our best to lighten delivery of the material and to raise the mood at times. We do this by injecting a little humour at appropriate times. We do not intend to trivialise the subject, laugh at any experiences, nor be disparaging to anyone who has been suicidal or attempted or completed suicide. It is a very serious subject, but we seek to rob it of its power to instil fear in us. What we have found is that a little bit of humour or lightness can do this quite successfully as well as helping us all not to be overwhelmed.

Who is it for?

It is suitable for a wide range of staff, including those who support volunteers.

Health warning

This course can get very emotional for people. We understand that, we know it happens. We are talking about an emotional and traumatic subject. We put in place safeguarding and this means that we will have a helper there besides myself should distress occur. They have been trained to help out should the need arise. We do advise that you think about your own self-care during the course. You do not have to participate in anything you do not wish to. We do not force people to do anything. We will also ask you to take very good care of yourselves once the course is over.

Trainer

Brian Glass

Further information

There are only 16 places available so book soon. There will be further sessions in October and November (dates to be announced) if you cannot attend the July sessions.