NHS Trust launches Navigating Suicide Prevention programme at Pinderfields and Pontefract hospitals
The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has launched a new programme designed to help colleagues recognise when someone may be at risk, have compassionate conversations about suicide and connect people with appropriate support.
Navigating Suicide Prevention is a Trust-wide programme built around resources developed by Dr David Aaron, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, with support from colleagues across the organisation.
The programme, which will be implemented in Pinderfields and Pontefract hospital, will provide access to nationally recognised suicide awareness training from the Zero Suicide Alliance, alongside practical guidance developed by Dr Aaron.
It will include resources specifically designed to help colleagues have conversations about suicide, respond to immediate safety concerns and connect people with appropriate support.
Formally launched at the Trust’s Quality Conference on October 21, the programme also aims to build a culture where people feel able to talk about suicide and colleagues feel confident and supported to respond.
Dr David Aaron said: "This began with patient access colleagues reporting more encounters with people in suicidal crisis, without training or guidance to support them.
"Suicidal distress can come to light anywhere, so the programme helps staff across the Trust feel prepared and supported to respond”.
Zero Suicide Alliance suicide awareness training is now available to all Trust colleagues at both hospitals.
It is mandatory for all clinical staff and encouraged for non-clinical colleagues.
The course explores warning signs, approaches to supportive conversations and sources of further help, using practical scenarios and lived- experience videos.
People can access free suicide awareness training through the Zero Suicide Alliance website: www.zerosuicidealliance.com/suicide-awareness-training.