SUICIDE POST-VENTION TRAINING OF TRAINERS

PLEASE NOTE:

To attend this workshop you must have completed one of the Connect Post-vention trainings held on May 12,13 or June 30, 2011.

TRAINING DESCRIPTION:

Connect post-vention training to reduce risk and promote healing following a suicide death is a designated National Best Practice program. The Connect Train-the-Trainer model can be effectively used to maximize the impact of the post-vention training. By training trainers for one’s own community, trainers will be available in the community to provide on-going future trainings. Not only will this increase the availability of training, but it will improve sustainability by building capacity and expertise within the organization/ community. Additionally, some groups find that having a trainer from their own organization/community increases participation and cultural acceptance.

The two day training begins with the Connect Suicide Postvention Training and provides specific knowledge and skill development for those interested in conducting trainings for various professions who might be involved in suicide response. Participants will be provided training to lead the basic Connect Postvention Training with specific training in one key service provider area.

Key service provider training options include:

Educator
Military
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Faith Leader
Emergency Services
Social Services
Law Enforcement
Primary Care
Funeral Services
Medical Examiner
Emergency Department Providers

WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL GET FROM THE TRAINING:

Completion of Connect training to reduce risk and promote healing following a suicide (postvention) as a participant, including a full review of National Best Practices for suicide response. This will include the following:

• Knowledge of an integrated community-based model for responding to suicide deaths
• Skills to recognize warning signs for suicide for those who may be at risk after a suicide death
• An understanding of suicide related phenomena (contagion, pacts, clusters) and strategies for reducing this risk
• An understanding of the complexity of suicide related grief and cultural considerations regarding suicide/grief
• Strategies to encourage help-seeking, reduce stigma and promote healing for survivors

• Recommendations, regarding confidentiality, safe communication and media inquiries

• Training and skills to teach Connect post-vention training to co-workers or key service providers (i.e. mental health, law enforcement, educator, etc.) who might respond to a suicide

• Familiarization with Connect post-vention training materials including protocols, Power Point presentation and trainer’s manual to enable participants to provide Connect Suicide Post-vention Training to community members and colleagues

• Skills to implement the post-vention training while maintaining fidelity to National Best Practice Connect material

• Capability to role model a sensitive and open approach to the subject of suicide

• Certification as a Connect Trainer

The Presenter:
Ann Duckless, certified prevention specialist and community educator for NAMI-NH’s Connect Youth Suicide Prevention Project.