We need to talk about suicide: e-learning programme

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 for the wider public health workforce including voluntary sector, blue light services, prison staff and prison listeners, health and social care. It was developed by a range of experts including experts by experience, i.e. those people who have attempted to take their own lives and those bereaved and affected by suicide.

Two-thirds of people who take their own lives are not known to mental health services. 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. Another person showing compassion and care can only make things better not worse.

The programme takes approximately between 60-90 minutes to complete.

How might the programme be used:

• as an introduction to suicide awareness and suicide prevention skills
• to consolidate existing skills on suicide prevention
• as part of an organisation’s induction process, reflecting a commitment to reducing death by suicide
• for personal and professional development.

Proposed target audience:

• non-mental health practitioners
• anyone working with the public across a wide range of settings
• anyone in a volunteering role with contact with the public
• administrative and support staff in health and care across a range of settings such as primary care, acute and supported living settings
• administrative and support staff in other public sector settings such as local authorities and the voluntary sector
• public health/health promotion staff across all sectors including local authorities, NHS and primary care.

The learning is specifically aimed at making sure that everyone in contact with the public, in whatever role, knows how to spot any signs of mental distress and feel comfortable in talking about suicide.

Talking about suicide can be used as a normal part of all our interactions at home, in the workplace and in the wider community.

Find the course at www.nwyhelearning.nhs.uk/elearning/HEE/SuicidePrevention/

For more information visit our suicide & self harm resource