SP-OT : Suicide Prevention Overview Tutorial

Aims and target audience

SP-OT Suicide Prevention – Overview Tutorial

What EVERYONE needs to know

The key objectives are:

• To understand the prevalence and impact of suicide
• To explore the language, and the challenges, when talking openly about suicide
• To recognise the ‘signs’ that may indicate someone is having thoughts of suicide
• To consider how we can all contribute to a suicide safer community.

This can be delivered online or face to face.

SP-OT is aimed at everyone – it is an overview of the issues around suicide prevention, an exploration of topics such as language to use when talking about suicide and also an opportunity to find out about the services offered by PAPYRUS and other organisations to support young people and those who work with them.

Learning outcomes

• Know the statistical background to suicide in the UK
• Understand the stigma around suicide and why it is not discussed openly (as well as why it should be discussed openly in a safe manner)
• How to talk about suicide, including to someone who is having thoughts of suicide
• Discuss signs that someone might be having suicidal thoughts and know actions to take (including referrals to other agencies)
• Know the work of HOPELINE UK and how they keep young people safe from suicide
• Analyse their own self-care and how to ensure that they remain safe

Delivery methods and styles

SP-OT can be delivered online or in person. It is an interactive workshop run by a trainer and participants are expected to be involved. A number of videos and weblinks are used to illustrate information and learning.

Knowledge and skills required of the trainers

• Extensive knowledge of issues around suicide
• Experience of talking safely about suicide
• Understanding of issues facing young people (under 35) in the UK
• Knowledge of referral links
• Experience of range of signs that can be spotted to indicate someone might be having suicidal thoughts
• Ability to manage a group dealing with a difficult and sometimes distressing subject
• Understanding of the need for self-care

Involvement of people with lived experience

PAPYRUS was founded by parents who had lost children and young people to suicide and so people with lived experience are a key part of who we are and what we do. From our trustee board to our workforce and volunteers, we have and value the input of those with lived experience. Everything that PAPYRUS does – including the design of our training – is informed by this.

Assessment, CPD credits, certification

SP-OT is accredited through the CPD accreditation system. Those who attend for the full 90 minutes will receive a certificate from the CPD network roughly four to six weeks after completing the training.

All our training is quality assured internally and evaluated by all participants.