About the Course
Self‑Harm and Suicide Awareness Training
This Self‑Harm and Suicide Awareness training course supports health and social care workers to recognise, understand, and respond appropriately to individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress or displaying signs of self‑harm or suicidal thoughts. The session focuses on building confidence, strengthening professional judgement, and promoting compassionate, safe, person‑centred practice across all care settings.
Participants will explore the factors that can contribute to self‑harm, the impact of personal perceptions, and the importance of clear communication and supportive intervention. The course also highlights the role of risk assessment, collaborative safety planning, and reflective practice in creating environments where individuals feel heard, respected, and protected.
Course Content
The syllabus includes:
Perceptions and personal reactions Understanding how attitudes and beliefs influence responses to distress
Identifying concerns Recognising indicators that may suggest someone is struggling
Context and prevalence Exploring statistics and the wider social and emotional factors involved
Experiences and circumstances Situations that may contribute to self‑harm or suicidal thoughts
Challenging myths and reinforcing facts Promoting accurate, stigma‑free understanding
Supportive strategies Approaches such as distraction, grounding, and other safe interventions
Planning, monitoring, and reviewing incidents Ensuring consistent, structured responses that prioritise safety
Impact on individuals and staff Emotional, psychological, and professional considerations
Supporting distressed individuals A practical action plan for compassionate, confident engagement
Risk assessment and communication Strengthening decision‑making and information‑sharing
Resources and support pathways Understanding what help is available and how to access it
Course Details
Suitable for: Health and social care workers
Delivery method: Face‑to‑face / Virtual training
Course length: 1 day
Maximum attendees: 15 delegates