Connecting with People training program
MHCC ACT’s CwP training program
The standard suicide prevention methods widely used today focus on measuring and predicting risk. Although useful when working with clinicians and referring consumers to services, these approaches can overlook the human element: the need for immediate, compassionate support for people at risk of suicide.
In response, MHCC ACT is proud to be delivering the Connecting with People (CwP) training. Developed by 4 Mental Health (4MH) in the UK, this compassion-based and evidence-informed suicide prevention framework and training approach equips professionals and community members with the tools to provide person-centred support for those in suicidal distress.
The CwP training comprises of two modules:
1. Compassion at Work: Explore the science behind compassion and learn evidence-based ways to sustain our collective wellbeing when dealing with distress. This module provides the foundation of the compassion-based approach.
2. Community Suicide Awareness: Understand how suicide can be prevented and learn how to safely support someone in suicidal distress, and potentially save a life. This module covers the co-production of Safety Plans to promote hope and safety.
We recommend that attendees complete or register for the Compassion at Work module of the Connecting with People training program before undertaking the Community Suicide Awareness module.
You don’t need to be a mental health worker to attend – if you help people and would like to upskill in compassion-based approaches to suicide prevention, this training is for you and your staff.
Compassion at Work
In this training session, you will learn:
- what compassion is
- the science that supports the physical and emotional benefits of a compassionate approach
- key components of compassion, the barriers and how to maintain a compassionate approach at work
- how organisational culture impacts compassion
- the links between self-compassion and the ability to be compassionate towards others
- ways you can promote compassion
- how to develop a Compassion Plan.
Community Suicide Awareness
In this training session, you will learn:
- how to tackle myths, stigma and barriers about suicide
- the latest research and evidence on suicide
- that suicide is not inevitable: people can be helped
- how distress develops and how to support people
- the common language between community, services and those in distress
- skills to talk with someone in distress
- how to take a compassionate approach in demanding and time-pressured environments
- how to make your own Safety Plan.