Course overview

This 3.5-hour suicide prevention awareness course offers a basic introduction to the theory and practice of suicide intervention skills that can be applied in both professional and personal settings.

Suicide First Aid Lite teaches learners that suicide is one of the most preventable deaths, and that basic suicide intervention skills can help a person with thoughts of suicide stay safe and remain alive.

Course content

Suicide First Aid Lite is made up of two parts. The programme teaches the skills needed to recognise when someone may be having thoughts of suicide and how to help them find additional support.

Part 1 

• Introduction to the session, the programme and suicide prevention
• Stigma and the experiences of those bereaved by suicide
• Suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviour
• The intention of behaviour versus the outcome of behaviour
• Some of the possible causes of suicidal thoughts
• The ripple effect of suicide

Part 2 

• ‘I’m Really Glad You Told Me’ video
• Suicide safety guidance
• How to recognise and ask about suicide
• Referring a person on to suicide first aiders or other support

Suicide First Aid Lite offers basic, knowledge-based and factual learning outcomes through an interactive and emotionally engaging learning experience.

Participants will be asked to self-reflect on the impact that thoughts and feelings of suicide can have on a person, and to consider the role that empathy can play in supporting someone experiencing them. There is no expectation for participants to disclose any personal experiences.