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Suicide First Aid through
Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFAUSI)Training

Developed by the National Centre for Suicide Prevention, the Suicide First Aid through Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFAUSI) Course gives participants practical skills they can use to prevent someone dying from suicide.

Teaching the theory and practice of suicide  intervention skills that can be applied in any professional or personal setting, captured in a one-day event accredited by City and Guilds of London. We use only the most experienced suicide prevention trainers to deliver this unique learning experience: for anyone who seeks greater understanding and confidence to intervene with people at risk of suicide.


The Suicide First Aid through Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFAUSI) course gives learners the knowledge and tools to understand that suicide is one of the most preventable deaths and some basic skills can help someone with thoughts of suicide stay safe from their thoughts and stay alive.

Course Content:

SFAUSI is comprised of 4 parts, each 90 minutes duration. 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 – 09:30 to 11:00

  • Introduction to: the day; programme; ourselves and suicide prevention
  • Stigma
  • 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

 

Part 2 – 11:15 to 12:45

  • Suicide – the Ripple Effect
  • Population-based approach to suicide prevention
  • Partnership working
  • Working with attitudes and values
  • “I’m so glad you told me” audio visual.

 

Part 3 – 13:30 to 14:45

  • Meeting the needs of a person who is thinking about suicide
  • Suicide-Safety Guide
  • Step 1 – Recognising suicide and Asking about suicide
  • Step 2 – Understanding options

 

Part 4 – 15:00 to 16:30

  • Step 3 – Safeguarding suicide
  • Suicide-safety and self-care
  • The risk assessment approach
  • Suicide and suicide gestures
  • Future learning

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 6 hours using tutor facilitated Socratic learning, tutor-led role- play, mini lectures, group work and audio-visual presentations. This is a highly interactive and 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.

Accreditation
Participants will gain 6 NQF credit points at Level 4 by completing a workbook of tasks that are assessed against the set learning outcomes.

Testimonials for CAST Training Courses

“Katie Marlow was a great teacher. She spoken clearly and delivered the training which allowed for everyone to share best practice.”

“It was very informative. The instructor had a good way of explaining things. I enjoyed the interactive sessions and also looking at the science behind it all. The sharing of resources at the end was extremely helpful and the mental health continuum was a good visual resource.”

– Course attendees from June 2020

Accreditation & Qualifications

Ready to get in touch?

Contact Katie for further information about our training courses, or to book a workshop for your organisation.