Suicide First Aid: Children and Young People

Tutor: Alison Armstrong

Course overview:

Teaching the theory and practise of suicide intervention skills that can be applied in any educative setting with transferable skills to personal settings. Captured in a one-day training event, (City & Guilds Assured) for School Staff seeking greater understanding and confidence to intervene with CYP experiencing suicide thoughts.

Our Associate Tutors have experience working with CYP including backgrounds in Mental Health and Suicide Prevention settings.

SFA: CYP course gives Learners the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand that suicide is one of the most preventable deaths amongst CYP. Responding appropriately from a Safeguarding perspective, underpinned by UNCRC and a trauma informed approach.

Course content:

SFA: CYP course is comprised of 4 parts, each 90 minutes duration. The programme teaches knowledge and skills needed to identify CYP who may be thinking about suicide with the opportunity to build confidence through practise to competently facilitate a Suicide First Aid intervention.

Part 1

· Values & Attitudes (15)

· Introductions (25)

· First Aid Approach within a School Setting (15)

· Factors that contribute to suicide thoughts (Adolescent brain – ACES – Matching language – suicide gestures) (35) – Case Study

· Break (15 mins)

Part 2

· Hidden Toll & Definition (exposures(15)

· The Ripple Effect (15mins)

· The Suicide Continuum (30) – Case Study

· Intention vs Outcome (25)

· Twenty Faces (5)

Lunch

Part 3

· Recap & Film (20mins)

· The needs of CYP (letting you know) (15 mins)

· Suicide Safety Guide – 5 mins

· Step 1 – Recognising Suicide and Ask about suicide – 25 mins

· Step 2 – Listen & Learn / Exploring Options – 25 mins

· Break – 15 mins – 2:45pm – 3:00pm

Part 4

· Step 3 – Helping you Cope – 45mins (case studies)

· Implementation of a suicide safety schools approach (25 mins)

· Suicide-safety and Self-care & Close(20 mins)

Methods of delivery:

Delivered over 1 day, this interactive and engaging learning experience with Tutor led presentations, films and group work can be delivered ‘face to face’ or online.

Trauma Informed Practise:

SFA CYP will not detail graphic content of means to suicide and there is no expectation on Learners to share personal experiences. Learners will be asked to self-reflect and consider how suicide impacts CYP and those supporting them when they are having suicide thoughts.

Who should attend?

Principals, Head Teachers/Heads of Year, Safeguarding leads, Teachers, Teaching Assistants, School counsellors, Pastoral Staff, Residential School Settings, School Health Nurses, LSA (Learning Support Assistant)/ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistance)/School based Counsellors/Youth Workers. Administration Staff, Primary Care Staff/Hospital School Teaching Teams, Alternative Education Provision, Secure Unit Staff Teams etc.

Contact

For further information on NCSPET products please contact info@ncspt.org.uk