Suicide Prevention Awareness Training

There is an active Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum in Wolverhampton which is a forum of people from a range of backgrounds and organisations who are passionate about preventing suicide. Sadly, in Wolverhampton, 61 people died by suicide during the period of 2017-19. Wolverhampton is a firm believer in a zero-suicide approach. We believe every suicide is a tragedy and leaves a legacy of trauma and hurt for those bereaved by the suicide of a loved one.

A programme of Suicide Prevention Awareness Training was commissioned to upskill workforces and communities through information and knowledge enabling them to better understand and respond to poor mental wellbeing and suicide ideation.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Training for Primary Care Staff in Wolverhampton

This was a specific training programme for any member of staff working in Primary Care, including GPs, Trainee Doctors, Practice Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Practice Managers and Administration staff. The training was delivered by an organisation called 4MentalHealth and was delivered as half day sessions during the month of March 2022. A total of 66 people attended this training.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Training for Professionals working in Wolverhampton

This training programme was aimed at a broad group of professionals and community groups working in Wolverhampton including statutory services, the private sector, and voluntary organisations. This training which was a half-day session was delivered by the Kaleidoscope Plus Group during the months of March, April, and May 2022. The provider facilitated a total of 13 sessions which included both face to face or online and enabled up to 375 individuals to attend. The training helped attendees to identify signs that may indicate someone was having suicidal thoughts and helped encourage them to have a safe supportive conversation to help develop a safety plan.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Training for staff working in Barbershops, Hairdressers and Nail Bars in Wolverhampton

This project was aimed specifically at the workforce within this sector and was delivered by the Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust. The aim of the training was to enable participants to know how to respond to an individual with thoughts about suicide ideation through using listening skills, reassurance and signposting towards sources of help. The training was delivered during April and May 2022 and there is an ongoing offer of support from the Trust for those who take part in the training.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign

A community-wide Suicide Prevention campaign was held in May 2022, led by the Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council. This campaign aimed to foster a collective appreciation of risk and protective factors and equip those who engage with the campaign to better respond to those in our community who are at risk of suicide ideation. The campaign included a dedicated Social Media campaign to engage local communities and actively shared details of local sources of support and advice for people with suicidal thoughts and those who care for them.