In Devon we encourage anyone interested in suicide prevention to complete the free Zero Suicide Alliance suicide awareness e-learning.
It provides a great introduction to suicide awareness along with key skills to use to have a conversation with someone you are worried about. There are also specific modules that focus on supporting particular groups, for example, veterans, or for certain workforces, for example, taxi drivers.
Public Health Devon fund evidence based training that is currently available to attend free of charge: Connect 5, and ASIST.
Connect 5
Connect 5 takes a preventative approach to poor mental wellbeing. The training will equip individuals with the skills and confidence to have effective conversations about mental wellbeing, recognising needs and signposting to support. It focuses on building confidence and knowledge to support both personal wellbeing and that of others.
Connect 5 is delivered across three modules, each one building on the previous module – delegates can attend one, two or three modules depending on need. In person and online delivery is available.
Connect 5 will be of particular interest and benefit to those who have public facing roles, or regularly have contact with people experiencing or at risk of poor mental wellbeing.
Youth Connect 5
A new course available in Devon, Youth Connect 5 training provides the knowledge, skills and understanding to help children and young people develop strong emotional wellbeing through resilience-building techniques, whilst understanding why we feel the way we do.
These techniques will strengthen the ability of children and young people to adapt well to adversity, trauma, and stress, skills that will remain with them into adulthood.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
ASIST gives participants the skills to recognise when someone may be thinking about suicide, how to provide a skilled intervention, and develop a safety plan with the person to connect them to further support.
ASIST is a practical two day interactive course, delivered in person only.
ASIST training will be of particular interest to those who frequently encounter and support people in distress.
For enquiries or to book a place on Connect 5 or ASIST, please contact Pete’s Dragons.
Suicide awareness workshops
Public Mental Health or Suicide Prevention leads in the Public Health team can facilitate suicide awareness sessions for groups or workforces.
This is not training, but an opportunity to learn about key messages in promoting mental wellbeing and suicide prevention, including:
- suicide language and terminology
- myths and facts
- what makes suicide prevention important
- communication tips
- signposting to training
- useful practical resources
- signposting to support organisations
- promoting positive mental wellbeing
For groups or workforces interested in a suicide awareness workshop, please contact publichealth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.