Supporting a Young Person Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts

A sensitive and practical awareness session focused on communicating with young people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. This session will support parents and carers to feel more confident when communicating with a young person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or expressing that they do not want to live. Participants will explore how to respond calmly and compassionately, how to listen without judgement, and how to use clear, direct and supportive language. The session will also consider common concerns about asking someone if they are thinking about suicide, the importance of taking disclosures seriously, immediate safeguarding considerations, and how to involve appropriate professional support. Participants will be introduced to trusted sources of help and guidance, including where to seek urgent assistance and how to signpost young people and their families to further support. This is an awareness and communication course and does not provide clinical assessment, diagnosis, therapy or specialist suicide-intervention training. Summary A sensitive and practical awareness session focused on communicating with young people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Participants will develop greater confidence in starting difficult conversations, listening and responding safely, recognising when concerns need to be escalated, and helping a young person access appropriate support. The taught session is followed by an optional peer-support coffee, offering a facilitated space for connection, reflection and shared support. Length of training 2 hours in total: • 1 hour facilitated training session • 1 hour peer support coffee and reflective discussion This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.