Gypsy, Roma & Traveller: Self Harm & Suicide Prevention Training

Developed by Harmless, the Centre of Excellence in self-harm and suicide prevention, and endorsed by Friends, Families & Travellers, the leading national organisation advocating for Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities, this CPD-accredited training offers a unique blend of clinical expertise and community-rooted insight.

Why this course is needed

Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities experience some of the worst health outcomes in the UK, including life expectancy up to 12 years shorter than the general population. High rates of discrimination, poor access to services, and social exclusion contribute to increased mental health challenges and heightened suicide risk.

This course is designed in direct response to these health inequalities and aligns with national priorities set out in the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England (2023–2028). It supports professionals and services in delivering equitable, effective, and culturally appropriate care.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for a wide range of professionals, particularly those working directly with Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities or in roles related to mental health, public health, and suicide prevention.

It is also highly relevant for organisations seeking to improve access for Gypsy Roma Traveller communities. If your service is not seeing fair representation from these groups, this course will help you understand and address the barriers to engagement, supporting you to build more inclusive, culturally responsive services.

. Target audiences may include:

• Commissioners & Decision-Makers – ICB Leads, Local Authority Public Health teams, Social Care Directors, Health & Wellbeing Board members
• Service Managers & Team Leaders – Managers within NHS Trusts, PCNs, Local Authority teams, Housing and Third Sector services, Traveller Education teams
• Frontline Practitioners – GPs, Nurses, Social workers, Youth Workers, Housing Officers, Educators, Helpline staff, and Community Support staff
• Policy & System Influencers – National Health bodies, Researchers, Professional and Membership organisations, and Third Sector umbrella networks

If you commission, manage, or deliver services that may engage with Gypsy, Roma, Traveller individuals, this training will offer practical, evidence-based tools and cultural insight to help you provide safer, more inclusive care.

Be part of the change

This training is not only about awareness, it's about action. Join us in helping to build a more inclusive, equitable system of care where no one is left behind.

Book your place now and take a vital step toward reducing suicide risk and improving mental health outcomes for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.

Self-Care

The topics raised in the training delivery can be emotionally evocative. It is strongly advised that delegates should be aware of personal impact that training in suicide can have and should seek the appropriate reassurance, support and guidance from the Trainer delivering the session if they become distressed or affected by any of the topics raised. As an organisation, we encourage that all delegates practice self-care during their time on the course, ensuring they take adequate breaks and manage their own self-disclosure. All trainers have direct contact with a clinical team should needs arise to implement additional support.

Cancellations

If the delegate/organisation cancels a training place:

• All cancellations must be confirmed via email to training@harmless.org.uk at the earliest opportunity

• If a delegate is unable to attend the training, Harmless will allow a replacement to take their place if we are notified about any changes at least 48 hours before the training is due to take place. Replacement delegates will be required to complete a separate training registration form before we can accept them on the course

Data Protection

At Harmless CIC, we’re committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. Our privacy policy sets out the basis on which any personal information we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by Harmless CIC or its associated projects (The Tomorrow Project, FearLess & The Academy at Harmless). It covers how we use this information, the conditions under which we may disclose it to others and how we keep it secure.

You can read the privacy policy by clicking here: Privacy Policy