STOP – Suicide prevention Training OPtions

Supporting the emotional well-being of others is always important but particularly during this challenging time.

Whether your interaction is a brief conversation with a neighbour or a phone call from a struggling customer or resident having suicidal thoughts there are a variety of FREE resources that can help you to help them

Basic Psychosocial skills – A guide forCovid-19 responders

Is this for me?

Are you performing a critical function during the COVID-19 pandemic? Is your work essential to the survival of people affected by COVID-19? Or to keep systems and services functioning for the benefit of everyone? If yes, then this information is for you!

The information in this guide can be used to support anyone during the COVID-19 pandemic: people who have COVID-19, have lost someone to COVID-19, are caring for someone with COVID-19, have recovered from COVID-19 or are affected by restrictions.

What will I learn?

Basic psychosocial skills are at the core of helping others to feel better. In this guide, you will learn how to use these skills to look after yourself and how to help others feel supported through your interactions.

Psychological First Aid – COVID-19 Specific

This Comprehensive programme comprises of 3 x 30 minute – 1 hour sessions recommended to be completed over a 3-week period. It is specific to responding to Covid-19 and helpful in understanding different behaviours and responses that frontline staff may see both now and in the months to come.

Samaritans

Small Talk Saves Lives is a campaign by the Samaritans to help prevent suicide on the railways.

A little bit of small talk can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s thoughts. This 1 minute video demonstrates that even just commenting about the weather can be enough to save a life!

The Zero Suicide Alliance

The Zero Suicide Alliance have formulated a 20-minute online training course, which can give you some basic skills on this topic. Suicide is preventable so gain the skills to save a life and do the training today.

We Need to Talk about Suicide

“We need to talk about suicide: helping everyone to feel more confident to talk about suicide” is an e-learning programme that has been developed by the NHS and Public Health England for the workforce including voluntary sector, emergency services, frontline staff and all staff in health and social care. Almost everyone thinking about suicide doesn’t want to stop living – they just want to stop the pain and distress they are feeling. Talking about suicide does not make someone more likely to take their own lives. The content includes a section on why talking matters, who is at risk and possible warning signs, how to respond and signposting to support. The module will take between 60-90 minutes to complete and can be accessed here.

Stay Alive App

The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help someone stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide, and also suggest it as a resource for them to download.In addition to the resources, the app includes a safety plan, customisable reasons for living, and a LifeBox. Here you can store photos and memories that are important to you.

Face to Face local courses

In addition to the resources above which are available at any time to access, the following face to face courses are available across Essex. Please note that some of the courses come with a course fee attached.

Mental Health First Aid Awareness

Mental Health First Aid Awareness Training (virtual via zoom) as part of the National Suicide Prevention Programme.  Fully subsidised for businesses and workplaces in and around Colchester.  Since COVID-19 the offer has been extended to include staff at the frontline of this crisis, and to volunteers.  Follow this booking link which includes three new dates for September 2020.

SP-EAK

SP-EAK Suicide Prevention – Explore, Ask, Keep-Safe (3.5hrs) – socially distanced face to face is delivered by Papyrus and the workshop aims to enable participants to identify those with thoughts of suicide, respond effectively and connect them with support. The workshop is suitable for anyone working with children or adults.

Find out more and book a place. Course fee applicable

Bereavement Support

If you are dealing with the unexpected death of someone from suicide, St Helena are running a bereavement support group for individuals bereaved by suicide. There will be eight sessions, run by two qualified counsellors in St Helena’s first virtual group. To find out more and book, visit their website or call 01206 984274.