Understanding self-harm and suicidal ideation and intent

Course fee: HCPA Standard Member: Fully funded*
Associate/Network Member: £37.50+VAT | Non-member: £75+VAT 

One day course at HCPA

The issues of self-harm and suicidal ideation can be steeped in stigma within society and for individuals who may experience these difficulties. This training has been developed to promote professional vigilance at the community level and give professionals the knowledge, skills and confidence to work with affected individuals.

The course will explain what self-harm is, why people use it as a means of coping, and methods including typical and atypical to show the scale of harmful behaviours. Learners will understand that both Self-harm and suicidal thoughts are deeply complex and multifaceted and will explore what is meant by the term elevated risks.

It will explain why people may have suicidal thoughts, how these range in frequency and intensity and will consider biological considerations for both issues as a way of explaining in more detail their nature including other models such as the Drive, Soothe, Threat system, Lineham stress model and self-harm reinforcing cycle.

Learner will use the information from the topic areas to start to build a picture of signs that a person may be struggling with suicidal thoughts and cover the NHS Connect, Understand, Assist conversation.

Learners will understand the importance of prevention and protection in care plans rather than trying to gauge risk likelihood. Learners will be taught the concept of harm reduction, including a variety of personal resources that people who use services can access.

We want providers to feel equipped to have conversations with people who they either know or suspect are affected and feel confident to provide person centred support from accessing this training.

Learner requirements: It would be useful if learners either have prior knowledge of, or undertakes formal care planning.

Learning objectives:
• Understand the definition of self-harm, that it is a maladaptive behaviour in response to distressing thoughts and feelings. 
• Understand there are many ways a person can cause injury to themselves not just confined to typical known methods, which will broaden learner knowledge, understanding and vigilance to the subject.  
• Understand the biological considerations to self-harm, that stress, trauma and difficult events/thoughts lead to a reduction in endorphins and causing injury activates the the body’s pain reward centres.
• Look at some of the common reasons associated with suicide thoughts/intent but given the complexity of the issue there is rarely a single cause, rather several factors are usually present.  
• Understand the Lineham stress model as a way of describing suicidal thoughts/feelings. 
• Understand the scale of suicidal ideation/intent. 
• How knowledge of the subjects can be used to inform care plans.
• Look at wellness plans, understand what they are and how they can be used by people who use services 
• Different types of harm reduction methods and tools to reduce suicidal feelings.  
• Consider the GREATDREAM tips for mental wellness as advocated by the NHS via the depression care pathway.  
• Understand what organisations and resources can help.  
• Providers will have an opportunity to reflect and discuss how they will implement learning within their own organisations.  

*Please note: As per our T&C’s, this course carries a fee in the event of non-attendance, non-completion or late cancellation.
Bookings of more than two delegates per site may be amended to allow access to all member organisations at the discretion of HCPA.
Delegates who are late may not be admitted into the training and a cost incurred