Hosting Suicidal Conversations with Empathetic & Compassionate Responses | Open Course (Webinar) 29th November 2023
Event Details
Hosting Suicidal Conversations Training
This training will equip support staff with the skills and confidence to manage a conversation with someone who is having thoughts of suicide or showing signs of suicidal behaviour, in an empathetic and compassionate way. Tidal Training have developed this Suicide Prevention course to be delivered to groups of up to 16 people. This course will be delivered via Zoom.
Many front-line workers supporting patients/clients/service users with mental health issues are not empowered with the knowledge, skills or confidence to host suicide conversations. There is a misconception by many that talking about suicide might ‘give the person ideas’ or ‘tip the person over the edge’. All the research into suicide finds that when people with suicidal thoughts and feelings are given the opportunity to speak about how they are feeling, it “reduces the intensity of holding it all in” Jonny Benjamin 2017. When caring for others, support workers and carers play an important role in safeguarding individuals in their care.
Ask yourself the following questions?
- Who spends the most time with Patient/Client/Service Users?
- Who completes observations on individuals in your care?
- Who is the first to notice changes in the individual?
- Who is told about social issues?
- Who communicates, engages and offers emotional support on a daily basis?
In a supportive and caring environment, we should always trust our instincts, engage in conversation & REPORT your concerns. The skills to have empathetic and compassionate suicidal conversation can be learnt and are invaluable.
If you are concerned about someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours, it’s essential to have a caring and supportive conversation with them as soon as possible.
Who Should Attend?
Anyone whose role brings them into contact with people who have suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Learning Outcomes:
- By the end of this course the participant will be able to:
- Interpret current suicide statistics in order to identify risk markers for suicide
- Explore their own thoughts, feelings and attitudes towards suicide
- Understand the background factors and feelings that can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Differentiate between sympathy, empathy and compassion
- Barriers that prevent people at risk seeking help (Self stigma, societal stigma and structural stigma)
- Discuss myths versus facts about suicide
- Identify suicide warning signs in order to identify when to commence a suicide conversation
- Host a conversation with someone who is having thoughts of suicide or showing signs of suicidal behaviour (assess and respond to the risk of suicide)
- Respond with empathy and compassion during the suicide conversation
- Signpost or connect the person for further support or take action to keep the person safe in the immediate future
Course Assessment and Certification
The trainer will check understanding, involvement and the ability of all students throughout the duration of the course. A certificate of attendance will be provided.
Cost: £75.00 + Vat per person