Suicide causes inconceivable grief and loss. Whilst suicide awareness is increasing, there are still steps that we can take to ensure we have the correct skills to deal with someone who is at risk of taking their own life.
Suicide statistics
Rates of suicide are at their highest since 1999. 6,069 people committed suicide in 2023, which not only leads to a profound loss and negative impact on loved ones but also on employers, who stand to lose billions in productivity losses.
In men between the ages of 35 and 50, suicide is the biggest killer in the UK.
There are hopes for the future that suicide could become a preventable death through increased awareness in identifying the signs. Increasing knowledge and awareness allows others to save lives.
In addition to suicide training being ethical for workplaces to ensure their staff are fully equipped to spot the signs, it makes economic sense for them to invest in proper training to reduce the risk of financial losses.
The economy lost around £9.5bn across the UK in 2022 as a result of people taking their own lives. Suicide prevention training is available at a fraction of this cost.
Mental health training
Suicide prevention training equips staff with the confidence to start conversations when someone is showing signs of suicidal behaviour. By starting and effectively managing these conversations, research suggests that the intensity of feelings can be reduced in those at risk.
The NHS identifies that there is no need for professionals to have all the answers; instead, engaging in a conversation, asking open-ended questions, and seriously listening to someone who is suicidal can have a beneficial effect.
Training can be delivered face-to-face or via a convenient webinar
Mental health training courses Blackpool and other areas are available from healthcare training providers such as https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/blackpool.
Life-saving skills are not limited to first aid. By offering suicide prevention training to employees, businesses can help to build ethical, responsible, and kind working communities that could play a crucial role in preventing the loss of lives.