Course Content:
SFA Lite is comprised of 2 parts, each 90 minutes duration. The programme teaches the skills needed to identify someone who may be thinking about suicide and to pass the person onto a suicide first aider.
Part 1 – 90 minutes
• Introduction to the session; programme, ourselves and suicide prevention
• Stigma and survivors of bereavement by suicide and the Hidden Toll
• Suicide thoughts and suicide behaviour
• Intention of behaviour versus outcome of behaviour
• Possible causes of suicide thoughts
• Suicide – the ripple effect
• ‘I’m really glad you told me’ audio visual
Break
Part 2 – 90 minutes
• Meeting the needs of a person who is thinking about suicide
• Suicide Safety Guide
• Recognising and asking about suicide
• Referring a person onto suicide first aiders
In the lite version the learning outcomes are narrower, it is designed to meet the needs of larger groups, with less time to access the learning. Therefore, the learning experience is less interactive, and without the opportunity to practice the skills being taught.
Evidence Base:
Two independent evaluations in 2016 and 2017 by Dr Paul Rogers demonstrated significant statistical change in 14 of 19 measures. Increased confidence and reduced anxiety in dealing with suicide, were among the leading outcomes.
Methods of delivery:
Taught over 3.5 hours using tutor facilitated Socratic learning, tutor-led role- play, mini lectures, group work and audio-visual presentations. This is a has some interactive elements and is an emotionally engaging learning experience.
Pre-training requirement:
No previous experience or training is necessary. Participants will be asked to self-reflect and empathise with a person having thoughts of suicide. There is no expectation on participants to share personal experiences.
Who should attend?
Multi-sector managers and practitioners including health, housing, social care, education, criminal justice, call centre operators, private, voluntary and public sector workers and community groups or members.
