Suicide First Aid: Understanding Suicide Intervention

Duration: 1 Day 

Delivery Method: Virtual 

Course Capacity: 16

Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFA: USI) – One-Day Certified Training

Understanding Suicide Intervention (USI) is a one-day, certified training course designed for individuals across healthcare, education, HR, social care, emergency services, community organisations, and any setting where individuals may encounter those at risk of suicide.

Whether you’re a professional working in safeguarding, crisis response, or simply someone who wants to better understand and respond to suicidal distress, this training offers practical, evidence-based skills to intervene safely and confidently.

 

Who Should Attend?

This Suicide First Aid (SFA USI) course is ideal for:

  • Professionals in support, care, and mental health roles
  • HR and line managers concerned about workplace distress
  • Safeguarding leads and staff in community or educational settings
  • Volunteers, peer supporters, and community leaders
  • Anyone committed to safeguarding suicide risk in their workplace or personal life

No prior suicide prevention training is required. This course provides a safe and supportive introduction to suicide intervention, while also benefiting those looking to refresh or deepen their skills.

 

Course Overview: Building Skills for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a complex and sensitive issue, affecting individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. This course delivers a practical, structured approach to understanding suicide intervention using the proven Suicide-Safety Guide® 3-Step Model and real-life case studies. Participants will develop the knowledge and confidence to engage in potentially life-saving conversations.

The course also recognises the emotional toll that suicide prevention work can take. Participants will learn how to manage their own wellbeing, ensuring resilience and emotional safety when supporting others.

Course Content

SFAUSI is comprised of 4 modules. The programme teaches and practices the skills and knowledge needed to identify someone who may be thinking about suicide and competently intervene to help create suicide- safety as a first aid approach.

Part 1: Foundations of Suicide Prevention

  • Understanding stigma, myths, and cultural narratives about suicide
  • Exploring the psychological and emotional drivers behind suicidal ideation
  • The Hidden Toll® and Ripple Effect®: how suicide impacts teams and communities
  • Clarifying the difference between intentions and outcomes in suicide-related behaviour
  • Reflecting on personal values and their role in mental health support

Part 2: Strategic Suicide Prevention Approaches

  • Introduction to the Suicide First Aid (SFA) model and population-level strategies
  • Collaborative working and community-based interventions
  • Exploring practical applications through real-life narratives such as I’m Really Glad You Told Me®

Part 3: Practical Suicide Intervention Skills

  • Identifying warning signs and recognising suicidal thoughts
  • Initiating clear, supportive, and non-judgemental conversations
  • Using the Suicide-Safety Guide®:
    • Step 1: Identifying suicide risk
    • Step 2: Listening to understand and exploring support pathways

Part 4: Safety, Self-Care, and Sustainability

  • Step 3: Supporting the individual to cope and remain safe
  • Creating an action plan for continued learning and development
  • Managing the emotional impact of prevention work and emphasising self-care
suicide first aid intervention

Why Choose SFA: USI Training?:

  • Nationally recognised certification
  • Practical tools for suicide intervention in real-world settings
  • Emphasis on workplace distress, team support, and safeguarding
  • Builds resilience and psychological readiness for all participants

 

Book your place today and gain the confidence to make a difference. Learn how to recognise distress, respond effectively, and contribute meaningfully to suicide prevention and mental health support in your workplace or community.

Pre-training requirement:

There are no prerequisites to attend this course.

 

Accreditation

Participants can choose to register for the City and Guilds accredited unit of learning for an additional fee of £85 per person. This involves completion of a written assignment.

 

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