County Durham Suicide Prevention Training
Targeted Suicide Prevention Training
We are proud to announce the launch of a new Targeted Suicide Prevention Training Programme, delivered by If U Care Share Foundation in partnership with Durham County Council. This three-year initiative, will provide high-quality, evidence-based training to individuals and organisations across County Durham.
The programme is designed to support those working with people most at risk of suicide and priority groups. It builds on our 20+ years of experience in suicide prevention and postvention, and our deep roots in the County Durham community.
Register for free below for our online launch event and discover how this initiative will empower communities and find out how you can register for future training.
Sign up not working properly? Follow this link or click the button below
Tiers of training
Tier 1
Ideal for: Anyone looking to build foundational knowledge in suicide prevention.
This introductory session helps participants recognise early warning signs that someone may be at risk—such as withdrawal, hopelessness, or increased risk-taking.
You’ll learn about the key risk and protective factors that influence mental health and wellbeing, and gain a basic understanding of how to respond to someone in crisis.
- Delivered online
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- No prior experience required
Tier 2
Ideal for: Professionals and community members who want to deepen their understanding and response skills.
This half-day, in-person workshop builds on Tier 1 content with a more detailed exploration of suicide risk and how to have supportive conversations.
Participants will be introduced to safety planning and learn how to respond effectively in crisis situations, including how to refer individuals to appropriate support services.
- Delivered in-person
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Includes practical guidance
Tier 3
This intensive two-day workshop uses the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) model to equip participants with advanced skills in suicide prevention.
You’ll learn how to assess risk, engage with individuals in crisis, and collaboratively develop a safety plan. The training includes interactive, scenario-based learning with feedback from peers and instructors.
- Delivered in-person
- Duration: 2 full days
- Highly interactive and skills-focused
Local Context
Suicide prevention is a key priority outlined in the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy in County Durham. Rates of suicide in County Durham are high and are increasing. This is a trend we want to slow and ideally reverse.
County Durham has the ninth highest suicide rate in the country – at 16.4 per 100,000 for the most recent period of 2021-2023. This is an average of 74 deaths per year. On average there is 34 years of life lost for each person who takes their own life by suicide. This rate is higher than the regional (13.5 per 100,000) and national (10.3 per 100,000) averages
National Context
Suicide is a significant public health concern in the United Kingdom. It is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 35, and for men under the age of 50[1]. Despite the generally declining trend in suicide rates from 1981, since 2007 the suicide rate has increased again and the most current data shows national suicide rates as the highest since 1999[2].
Preventing suicide is complex and requires action across many different areas – it requires statutory and voluntary services to take action, as well as the broader community. In response to a growing call for evidence, the UK government set out the Suicide prevention in England: 5-year cross sector strategy, covering the years 2023-2028 (the National Strategy), in order to:
- Reduce the suicide rate over the next 5 years – with initial reductions observed within half of this time, or sooner
- Improve support for people who have self-harmed
- Improved support for people bereaved by suicide.
“every individual across the country has access to training and support that gives them the confidence and skills to save lives. Training is routinely promoted, with significant numbers of people trained in suicide prevention.”
