Suicide  prevention training

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suicide prevention training

With over 30 years of experience, we develop and deliver high-quality, evidence-based training in suicide and self-harm prevention, including assessment and safety planning. 

Suicide and self-harm prevention training backed by over three decades of experience

At Storm Skills Training CIC, we specialise in delivering high-quality, evidence-based training in self-harm and suicide prevention. With over 30 years of experience, our training is designed to empower individuals and teams with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to explore the root causes of distress, understand its impact, and work towards effective information sharing and safety.

Evidence-based self-harm and suicide prevention training for organisations and individuals

Our training courses are designed to help individuals and teams strengthen their skills in engagement, holistic assessment, formulation, and personalised safety planning. We focus on enabling meaningful conversations, so participants gain the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to explore the root causes of emotional distress, understand their impact, and support effective information sharing across the support network, including social and professional support.

We highlight the importance of supporting an individual’s network, recognising their unique circumstances, and implementing safety planning as an evidence-based intervention. Person-centred care is at the core of our training, with a focus on understanding, collaboration, and addressing individual needs.

Three course levels for all sectors and roles

We support teams to build the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to respond well, safely, and compassionately.

We believe suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and our training supports people from all backgrounds, from experienced mental health professionals to people who are new to talking about suicide and self-harm, to respond effectively to someone in distress.

Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention is available at three levels - Advanced, Intermediate, and Foundation - designed to reflect the roles and responsibilities of different members of your team. These levels are based on NICE guidance, which outlines training needs for mental health professionals, health and social care staff, and other team members involved in suicide prevention.

Our aim is to make it easier for you to choose the training level that best suits your role or your team’s needs. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we provide clear information and guidance to help you make an informed decision about which course is right for you.

Our courses are designed for a wide range of people, including:

  • Mental health specialists: psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, social workers
  • Healthcare professionals: GPs, nurses, pharmacists, counsellors, psychotherapists, CBT therapists
  • Social care and community support: social workers, community support workers, case managers, youth workers, mentors
  • Crisis intervention and rehabilitation: crisis support workers, rehabilitation counsellors, addiction specialists
  • Criminal justice professionals: probation officers, facility staff
  • Third-sector and volunteer organisations: charity volunteers, community outreach coordinators
  • Other professionals with safeguarding responsibilities or those working with complexity and vulnerability
  • Anyone who works in a role where they want to better understand how to respond to people who may be vulnerable to self-harm or suicide: Whether you're working in education, retail, hospitality, construction, HR, customer service, or any other field, we offer a course level that fits your role, experience, and motivation to support others.

    • Aligned with research, evidence, best practice and guidance

    Storm Skills Training Version 5 (V5) aligns with key national guidance and standards, including:

    Studies have shown that our training package is effective in:

    • Developing and enhancing skills
    • Improving attitudes
    • Increasing confidence in helping someone who is in distress

    Research supports the effectiveness of our training across a range of audiences including mental health, health and social care, volunteer workers, schools and higher education, and prisons.

    Our training includes: 

    • Learning about research, best practice, and lived experience  
    • Group discussion - participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights through engaging in discussions on relevant topics related to their work, enhancing their learning experience.  
    • Active observation - Watch and provide feedback on a demonstration of the skills in a video  
    • Participation in skills practice, including role play (some of which is filmed) and small group activities to practice skills 
    • Self-reflection 
    • Feedback 
    • Collaborative learning in a safe, supportive environment 

    Participants leave our courses not only more informed, but also more confident in their ability to respond with compassion and a person-centred approach. 

    Rigorous development of our Version 5 training package

    In addition to our training meeting key national guidance and standards as outlined above, we keep our training updated to reflect the latest research, best practice, and insights from lived experience.

    Storm Skills Training originated from peer-reviewed academic research, and research remains central to our work.  

    Peer-reviewed studies over more than 20 years demonstrate improvements in practitioners’ confidence, skills, knowledge, and attitudes following Storm Skills Training.

    In addition to evidence demonstrating the efficacy of our training, our content is rigorously developed to ensure quality. Version 5 (V5) was developed through:

    • robust evidence review
    • academic consultation
    • lived experience input
    • stakeholder advisory consultation
    • pilot testing to ensure alignment with current best practice.

    We routinely collect and use evaluation data to support continuous improvement.

    This level of rigour supports organisations to commission training with confidence, knowing that their staff are receiving high‑quality, evidence‑based learning.

    About our course levels

    We offer three course levels to choose from, and you can select either the Adult package or the Children and Young Adults (CYA) package.

    If your role involves working with both children and adults up to the age of 25, we recommend the Children and Young Adults (CYA) course. This course delves into the complexities of working with children, which are not addressed in the adult course. The skills learned in the CYA course are transferable to adults, and it also covers all the skills included in the adult course.

    Advanced course

    This two-and-a-half or three-day training is designed for mental health professionals and other roles that hold significant responsibility for assessing, formulating, and safety planning with people vulnerable to self-harm and suicide.

    This course aligns with NICE Guideline [NG225] on self-harm for mental health professionals. The aim of the advanced level training course is to enhance participants’ existing knowledge and skills in identifying, assessing, and supporting individuals experiencing self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Through a combination of observation, skills practice, and filmed skills practice, participants will refine their ability to provide compassionate and person-centred support, including full psychosocial assessments, risk formulations, and personalised safety plans. They will also develop their ability to support individuals through challenges to recovery and teach problem-solving strategies.

    Who is the course for?

    This course is suited to professionals who hold significant responsibility for supporting individuals who are in distress or in crisis, including those vulnerable to self-harm and suicide. The advanced course includes, but is not limited to, those who:

    • Work directly with people experiencing mental health challenges* and situational crises, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts
    • Conduct full psychosocial assessments to comprehensively evaluate factors influencing an individual’s wellbeing and safety, including drivers of distress
    • Work collaboratively with individuals, families, and support networks to develop and implement personalised safety and care plans
    • Use personalised risk formulation to inform care plans and/or safety plans, or actively work towards implementing this practice
    • Respond to mental health crises and provide ongoing support to individuals in distress
    • Play a key role in safeguarding individuals at risk of harm to themselves or others

    *While many of these individuals may experience mental health challenges, it’s important to recognise that suicide and self-harm are not always rooted in mental illness alone. They are often complex responses to a range of factors, including trauma, loss, social isolation, financial hardship, and other life stressors. Our training reflects this complexity and supports professionals in responding holistically and compassionately.

    It’s important to note that professionals are not expected to fulfil all the responsibilities listed above. We welcome those with diverse backgrounds and roles onto our advanced-level training, regardless of their specific job title or setting, who are committed to deepening their understanding and enhancing their practice in suicide and self-harm prevention.

    Course aims

    The aim of the advanced level training course is to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in identifying, assessing, and supporting individuals experiencing self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Through a combination of observation, skills practice, and filmed skills practice, participants will refine their ability to provide compassionate and collaborative support, including full psychosocial assessments, risk formulations, and personalised safety plans. They will also develop their ability to support individuals through challenges to recovery and teach a problem-solving strategy.

    Learning outcomes

    Building on existing skills and competencies, this course will enhance participants’ ability to:

    • Adopt a compassionate and collaborative approach with a person in distress
    • Recognise warning signs and vulnerabilities associated with self-harm and suicide
    • Carry out a full psychosocial assessment to evaluate factors that influence individuals’ vulnerability to self-harm and suicide
    • Assess drivers of distress, including asking about suicidal thoughts and self-harm
    • Effectively engage with family members, carers, and other members of the person’s support network to share and gather relevant information (where consent allows) and to provide support
    • Use collaborative formulation to develop a shared understanding of the person’s vulnerabilities and strengths to inform personalised safety and care plans
    • Work with the person to develop a personalised safety plan tailored to their needs and circumstances
    • Collaboratively review existing care and safety plans, addressing challenges to recovery and making necessary adjustments
    • Teach a problem-solving technique to individuals in distress, empowering them to develop practical coping strategies
    • Engage in reflective practice, continually evaluating and improving their approach and response to individuals experiencing self-harm and suicide

    Example professions

    The following list provides examples of professionals who may benefit from Advanced-level training in self-harm and suicide prevention. This list is not exhaustive or prescriptive – professionals from diverse backgrounds and roles are welcome to participate in the training, as it offers valuable knowledge and skills applicable across various sectors.

    • Psychologists
    • Psychiatrists
    • Mental health nurses
    • Social workers
    • Other professionals working with complexity and vulnerability
    • Other professionals with responsibility for safeguarding

    Enquire

    Intermediate course

    Our intermediate level course is available as a two-day course and is suited to a broad range of roles -particularly those in health, social care and wellbeing related fields who have a role to play in helping to prevent suicide and self-harm in the workplace, or work with individuals who at times may express or experience suicidal thoughts or show signs of self-harm. It is also suited to those in roles and or settings where the team member has some responsibility for the wellbeing of individuals, this may be line management, human resources, or wellbeing.

    This course supports participants to actively engage with individuals in distress and their support networks to promote safety, connection, and hope. This course aligns with NICE Guideline [NG225] on self-harm for healthcare professionals and social care practitioners. Through a combination of observation, skills practice, and filmed skills practice, participants will develop practical, evidence-based strategies for providing person-centred, compassionate support, including developing personalised safety plans and facilitating access to specialist support.

    Who is this course for?

    Our intermediate level courses are suited to a broad range of roles and professionals. This includes, but is not limited to, those who:

    • Work with individuals who at times experience high levels of stress and distress
    • Work with individuals who at times may express or experience suicidal thoughts or show signs of self-harm
    • Have a role to play in assessing and safety planning to help prevent suicide and self-harm at work
    • Provide initial or ongoing care and support
    • May interact with individuals’ support networks, such as family members or carers
    • May address physical injuries, including those resulting from self-harm, within their professional capacity
    • Work in roles or settings where the team member has some responsibility for the wellbeing of individuals

    It’s important to note that professionals are not expected to fulfil all the responsibilities listed above. We welcome those with diverse backgrounds and roles onto our intermediate level training, regardless of their specific job title or setting.

    Course aim

    The aim of the intermediate level course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to confidently identify, assess, and support individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide. Through a combination of observation, skills practice, and filmed skills practice, participants will develop practical, evidence-based strategies for providing compassionate support, including developing personalised safety plans and facilitating access to specialist support where needed.

    Learning outcomes

    Building on existing skills and competencies, this course will enhance participants’ ability to: 

    • Adopt a compassionate and collaborative approach with a person in distress
    • Recognise warning signs and vulnerabilities associated with self-harm and suicide
    • Further explore signs of distress, including asking about suicidal thoughts and self-harm
    • Conduct a collaborative assessment, gathering essential information about the person’s immediate needs in relation to self-harm and suicide
    • Engage with family members, carers, and other members of the person’s support network to gather and share relevant information (where consent allows)
    • Work with the person to develop a personalised safety plan tailored to their needs and circumstances
    • Recognise the scope of their role and understand when to facilitate referrals to specialist mental health services for further assessment and intervention
    • Engage in reflective practice, continually evaluating and improving approach and response to individuals experiencing self-harm and suicide

    Example professions

    The following list provides examples of professionals who may benefit from intermediate-level training in self-harm and suicide prevention. This list is not exhaustive or prescriptive – professionals from diverse backgrounds and roles are welcome to participate in the training, as it offers valuable knowledge and skills applicable across various sectors.

    • Healthcare professionals (e.g., GPs, nurses, pharmacists)
    • Professionals in psychological therapies (e.g., counsellors, psychotherapists, CBT therapists)
    • Social workers
    • Criminal justice professionals
    • Community support workers and case managers
    • Youth workers and mentors
    • School wellbeing and safeguarding staff (e.g., Designated Safeguarding Leads, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Pastoral Care staff, SENCOs)
    • Crisis support workers
    • Rehabilitation counsellors and addiction specialists
    • HR professionals and wellbeing leads
    • Senior leaders and line managers
    • Third-sector workers, including volunteers 

    Enquire

    Foundation course

    Who is this course for?

    Our foundation level course is available as a one-day course. It is designed for people who are new to talking about suicide and self-harm. It is particularly suited to people working outside of health and social care who want to grow their understanding and confidence in responding to someone who may be vulnerable to suicide and or self-harm. The course covers the foundation knowledge and skills to respond and work towards safety with someone in distress and aligns with NICE Guideline [NG225] on self-harm for professionals from other sectors.

    Our foundation-level courses are suited to a broad range of roles. This includes, but is not limited to, those who:

    • Want to understand and grow their confidence in responding to someone experiencing distress
    • Work in an organisation or team where everyone has a role in helping prevent suicide and self-harm
    • Have little or no job-related responsibility for assessing and working toward safety with individuals
    • Want to increase their knowledge and understanding of what helps when someone is vulnerable to self-harming or suicide

    We welcome those with diverse backgrounds and roles onto our foundation-level training, regardless of their specific job title or setting.

    Course aim

    The aim of the foundation course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to:

    • Notice warning signs and vulnerabilities associated with self-harm and suicide
    • Listen compassionately,
    • Recognise when and how to ask about suicide and self-harm.

    Through a combination of observation and focused skills practice, participants will develop practical, evidence-based strategies for providing compassionate support, including working towards safety, sharing information for safety, and handing over for additional support.

    Learning outcomes

    Building on existing skills and competencies, by the end of this course participants will be able to:

    • Reflect on attitudes and beliefs that exist about suicide and self-harm
    • Build a foundational understanding of suicide and self-harm
    • Recognise warning signs and vulnerabilities associated with self-harm and suicide
    • Build skills in compassionately exploring what’s happening for the person, acknowledging and building hope
    • Recognise when and how to ask about suicide and self-harm
    • Recognise their role in suicide and self-harm prevention, relevant to their role and professional boundaries
    • Collaboratively support and guide the person to access help (which may include handing over, signposting, and sharing information for safety)
    • Talk with the person about interventions that help, including assessment and safety planning.

    Example professions

    The following list provides examples of professionals who may benefit from foundation-level training in self-harm and suicide prevention. This list is not exhaustive or prescriptive – professionals from diverse backgrounds and roles are welcome to participate in the training, as it offers valuable knowledge and skills applicable across various sectors.

    • Teachers, lecturers and other non-well-being roles within education settings.
    • Law enforcement - police officers, probation officers, prison staff
    • Customer-facing roles - call centre staff, job centre advisors, housing officers, debt and financial advisors
    • Construction and manual trades - Site managers and supervisors
    • HR and health & safety officers and union representatives
    • Line Managers and team leaders across all sectors – particularly those in more vulnerable industries, including construction, manual labour, health, and social care.
    • Administrative or supportive roles working with those vulnerable to suicide and self-harm – health, social care, and addictions etc.

     

    Enquire

    Advanced

    • Mental health professionals
    • Psychologists
    • Psychiatrists
    • Mental health nurses
    • Social workers
    • Other professionals working with complexity and vulnerability
    • Other professionals with responsibility for safeguarding

    Intermediate

    • Healthcare professionals (e.g., GPs, nurses, pharmacists)
    • Professionals in psychological therapies (e.g., counsellors, psychotherapists, CBT therapists)
    • Social workers
    • Criminal justice professionals
    • Community support workers and case managers
    • Youth workers and mentors
    • Crisis support workers
    • Rehabilitation counsellors and addiction specialists
    • HR professionals and wellbeing leads
    • Third-sector workers, including volunteers

    Foundation

    • Teachers, lecturers and other non-well-being roles within education settings.
    • Law enforcement - police officers, probation officers, prison staff
    • Customer-facing roles - Call centre staff, job centre advisors, housing officers, debt and financial advisors
    • Construction and manual trades - Site managers and supervisors
    • HR and health & safety officers and union representatives
    • Line managers and team leaders across all sectors – particularly those in more vulnerable industries, including construction, manual labour, health, and social care.
    • Administrative or supportive roles working with those vulnerable to suicide and self-harm – health, social care, and addictions etc. 
    Participant, Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults),
    “I would really recommend this course to those who are starting out as a mental health professional but also to those who have years of experience. It was helpful to gain insight into other ways of offering support and engaging young people in difficult conversations. Of particular benefit to my personal practice was the module on sharing information and how we can collaborate with young people in this. I am also more confident at completing safety plans with young people.”
    Participant Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults),
    “I would really recommend this course to those who are starting out as a mental health professional but also to those who have years of experience. It was helpful to gain insight into other ways of offering support and engaging young people in difficult conversations. Of particular benefit to my personal practice was the module on sharing information and how we can collaborate with young people in this. I am also more confident at completing safety plans with young people.”
    Participant, Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults),
    Kacy , Pastoral - Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Intermediate Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “The course was very useful and valuable to someone who is dealing with this on a daily basis. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone working in the environment where young people feel comfortable in confiding in them. I am more confident in my own abilities and looking forward to putting this into practice.”
    Kacy, Pastoral | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Intermediate Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “The course was very useful and valuable to someone who is dealing with this on a daily basis. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone working in the environment where young people feel comfortable in confiding in them. I am more confident in my own abilities and looking forward to putting this into practice.”
    Kacy , Pastoral - Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Intermediate Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Olubukola, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “I work in the acute unit and this training will be very valuable to me, especially the role play that boosted my confidence in my role as an RPN, I will definitely recommend this training.”
    Olubukola, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “I work in the acute unit and this training will be very valuable to me, especially the role play that boosted my confidence in my role as an RPN, I will definitely recommend this training.”
    Olubukola, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Olivia, Senior Clinical Psychologist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “I found the training very helpful and would recommend it to other professionals. It provides a compassionate, person-centred and collaborative approach to supporting someone in distress. The move away from basic risk assessment and use of formulation is most welcome in order to support meaning-making and create an individualised approach.”
    Olivia, Senior Clinical Psychologist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “I found the training very helpful and would recommend it to other professionals. It provides a compassionate, person-centred and collaborative approach to supporting someone in distress. The move away from basic risk assessment and use of formulation is most welcome in order to support meaning-making and create an individualised approach.”
    Olivia, Senior Clinical Psychologist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Inga, CAMHS, Student Social Worker Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “I learned the essential importance of effective communication and active listening skills, which are crucial when engaging with young people experiencing emotional distress. I gained valuable insights into various interventions and techniques aimed at promoting emotional well-being and resilience in young people. Self-reflection on areas for improvement was a valuable opportunity to learn from role plays and colleagues’ feedback. The significance of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams equipped me with practical tools and strategies to enhance me with my future practice supporting children and young people.”
    Inga, CAMHS, Student Social Worker | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “I learned the essential importance of effective communication and active listening skills, which are crucial when engaging with young people experiencing emotional distress. I gained valuable insights into various interventions and techniques aimed at promoting emotional well-being and resilience in young people. Self-reflection on areas for improvement was a valuable opportunity to learn from role plays and colleagues’ feedback. The significance of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams equipped me with practical tools and strategies to enhance me with my future practice supporting children and young people.” 
    Inga, CAMHS, Student Social Worker Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Alison | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)

    “I found this course really valuable. I would definitely recommend it. I will be able to use the skills immediately in my work. The person-centred, compassionate approach is very much in keeping with my day to day practice. Specifically, I now feel more confident working with and supporting clients experiencing SH and SI. I now have a clear framework to work from. This was an excellent course. R egarding the format and delivery our facilitator Jez was really clear in his communication and sharing of the content of the course and the feedback he gave was useful and constructive. Thank you Jez! ”

    Alison | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)

    “I found this course really valuable. I would definitely recommend it. I will be able to use the skills immediately in my work. The person-centred, compassionate approach is very much in keeping with my day to day practice. Specifically, I now feel more confident working with and supporting clients experiencing SH and SI. I now have a clear framework to work from. This was an excellent course. Regarding the format and delivery our facilitator Jez was really clear in his communication and sharing of the content of the course and the feedback he gave was useful and constructive. Thank you Jez!”

    Alison | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    John, Chaplain at a Detention Campus Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Open Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “An excellent tool for professionals working to help young people in crisis. Comprehensive, engaging and empowering. The framework is adaptable and relevant, and offers an effective insight into best practice around self harm and suicide intervention.”
    John, Chaplain at a Detention Campus | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Open Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “An excellent tool for professionals working to help young people in crisis. Comprehensive, engaging and empowering. The framework is adaptable and relevant, and offers an effective insight into best practice around self harm and suicide intervention.”
    John, Chaplain at a Detention Campus Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Open Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Catherine, Counsellor/Therapist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    “I have updated my skills in line with best practice. I now feel more competent and confident in dealing with people struggling with suicidal ideation or self-harm.”
    Catherine, Counsellor/Therapist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    “I have updated my skills in line with best practice. I now feel more competent and confident in dealing with people struggling with suicidal ideation or self-harm.”
    Catherine, Counsellor/Therapist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    Maura, Staff Nurse | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “In-depth information on how to approach an assessment for both self-harm and suicide. Very valuable training to assist you while working with vulnerable adults.”
    Maura, Staff Nurse | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “In-depth information on how to approach an assessment for both self-harm and suicide. Very valuable training to assist you while working with vulnerable adults.”
    Maura, Staff Nurse | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Rachel, Social Work Team Leader Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    “Engaging course clearly grounded in research & best practice which helps develop confidence in assisting people experiencing thoughts of suicide & self-harm ”
    Rachel, Social Work Team Leader | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    “Engaging course clearly grounded in research & best practice which helps develop confidence in assisting people experiencing thoughts of suicide & self-harm”
    Rachel, Social Work Team Leader Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    Paula, Senior Speech and Language Therapist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)

    “I found this course very useful. I would highly recommend it to colleagues. I would encourage anyone working with young people who are experiencing self-harm or suicidal ideation to complete this training.”

    Paula, Senior Speech and Language Therapist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)

    “I found this course very useful. I would highly recommend it to colleagues. I would encourage anyone working with young people who are experiencing self-harm or suicidal ideation to complete this training.”

    Paula, Senior Speech and Language Therapist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Storm Skills Training Feedback - Participant, Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults), June 2025
    “I would really recommend this course to those who are starting out as a mental health professional but also to those who have years of experience. It was helpful to gain insight into other ways of offering support and engaging young people in difficult conversations. “Of particular benefit to my personal practice was the module on sharing information and how we can collaborate with young people in this. I am also more confident at completing safety plans with young people.”
    Participant | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “I would really recommend this course to those who are starting out as a mental health professional but also to those who have years of experience. It was helpful to gain insight into other ways of offering support and engaging young people in difficult conversations. “Of particular benefit to my personal practice was the module on sharing information and how we can collaborate with young people in this. I am also more confident at completing safety plans with young people.”
    Storm Skills Training Feedback - Participant, Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults), June 2025
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Sara, Doctor at an NHS Foundation Trust
    "What I Found Most Beneficial: -Learning structured approaches to identifying and evaluating suicide risk was particularly useful, especially for high-risk settings like an inpatient psychiatric ICU.(my current setting) -The course provided clear, evidence-based techniques for de-escalation, active listening, and safety planning, all of which are critical in psychiatric care. -Focus on Empathy and Communication. -Case studies and role-playing exercises helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, making the learning process engaging and effective. How I Will Apply This Knowledge in Practice: -Conduct thorough risk assessments using validated tools. -Implement personalized safety plans to empower patients in managing their distress. -Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care. Overall, this course has significantly strengthened my confidence and skills in suicide prevention, and I highly recommend it to anyone working in mental health or crisis intervention settings. Thank you for an insightful and impactful learning experience!"
    Sara, Doctor at an NHS Foundation Trust | Participated in Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    "What I Found Most Beneficial: -Learning structured approaches to identifying and evaluating suicide risk was particularly useful, especially for high-risk settings like an inpatient psychiatric ICU.(my current setting) -The course provided clear, evidence-based techniques for de-escalation, active listening, and safety planning, all of which are critical in psychiatric care. -Focus on Empathy and Communication. -Case studies and role-playing exercises helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, making the learning process engaging and effective. How I Will Apply This Knowledge in Practice: -Conduct thorough risk assessments using validated tools. -Implement personalized safety plans to empower patients in managing their distress. -Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care. Overall, this course has significantly strengthened my confidence and skills in suicide prevention, and I highly recommend it to anyone working in mental health or crisis intervention settings. Thank you for an insightful and impactful learning experience!"
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Sara, Doctor at an NHS Foundation Trust
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Mary, Staff Nurse, HSE
    "Very informative course. Very relative in my area of work. Learned a lot about how to communicate during assessments both verbal and nonverbal and what questions to ask. The importance of recapping during assessment and making the client involved in their care plan. Gained confidence in myself when engaging with clients and building rapport."
    Mary, Staff Nurse | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Adult - Advanced) in October 2024
    "Very informative course. Very relative in my area of work. Learned a lot about how to communicate during assessments both verbal and nonverbal and what questions to ask. The importance of recapping during assessment and making the client involved in their care plan. Gained confidence in myself when engaging with clients and building rapport."
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Mary, Staff Nurse, HSE
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Jenifer-Julie

    “The course was excellent. Bianca was extremely supportive of me personally in the delivery of this course. I learnt so many strategies and techniques which I fully will use in my professional role to support individuals and their families. The course was sensitively delivered. The topic is a very hard area to talk about, and of course train others in, but I felt fully supported and felt through her excellent facilitation, that my experience and skills were valued. I would highly recommend this course to other professional in mental health to attend.”

    Jenifer-Julie, CPN | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Adult - Advanced) in June 2024.

    “The course was excellent. Bianca was extremely supportive of me personally in the delivery of this course. I learnt so many strategies and techniques which I fully will use in my professional role to support individuals and their families. The course was sensitively delivered. The topic is a very hard area to talk about, and of course train others in, but I felt fully supported and felt through her excellent facilitation, that my experience and skills were valued. I would highly recommend this course to other professional in mental health to attend.”

    Jenifer-Julie, CPN | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Adult - Advanced) in June 2024.

    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Jenifer-Julie
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Sharon, Residential Social Care Worker

    "I would recommend this training to other organisations I have personally worked with. I found the facilitators to be very honest, respectful, and compassionate. I have come away from the training more confident in asking those difficult questions about suicide or self-harm while helping someone in distress. This training provided insight into the lived experience of practitioners, which created evidence that the skills used with a young person provide a safe place for a conversation. I plan to incorporate this training into my work, asking the question in a way that young people will understand. Excellent training made very interactive and enjoyable."

    Sharon, Residential Social Care Worker | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Intermediate Pilot - Children and Young Adults - June 2024)

    "I would recommend this training to other organisations I have personally worked with. I found the facilitators to be very honest, respectful, and compassionate. I have come away from the training more confident in asking those difficult questions about suicide or self-harm while helping someone in distress. This training provided insight into the lived experience of practitioners, which created evidence that the skills used with a young person provide a safe place for a conversation. I plan to incorporate this training into my work, asking the question in a way that young people will understand. Excellent training made very interactive and enjoyable."

    Sharon, Residential Social Care Worker | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Intermediate Pilot - Children and Young Adults - June 2024)

    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Sharon, Residential Social Care Worker
    Storm Skills Training Feedback
    “I found the course very insightful and feel I've come away with tools to put into practice in future. I enjoyed the facilitators approaches and their passion for supporting children and young people really shined through! I would certainly recommend this training to other professionals and colleagues. I now feel better equipped to have conversations with children and their families about suicide and self harm, whereas before I wouldn't have felt as confident or knowledgeable. I am very likely to implement what I have learnt in my role as a support worker. Children and young people in foster care in particular are much more at risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and self harm, therefore I will certainly use the skills learnt from the training in future. I now feel more able to recognise warning signs in children and young people and feel more confident to create safety plans where these signs can be identified alongside the young person and realistic coping techniques implemented. I think all professionals working with children and young people would benefit from this training.” Participant attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (June 2024)
    “I found the course very insightful and feel I've come away with tools to put into practice in future. I enjoyed the facilitators approaches and their passion for supporting children and young people really shined through! I would certainly recommend this training to other professionals and colleagues. I now feel better equipped to have conversations with children and their families about suicide and self harm, whereas before I wouldn't have felt as confident or knowledgeable. I am very likely to implement what I have learnt in my role as a support worker. Children and young people in foster care in particular are much more at risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and self harm, therefore I will certainly use the skills learnt from the training in future. I now feel more able to recognise warning signs in children and young people and feel more confident to create safety plans where these signs can be identified alongside the young person and realistic coping techniques implemented. I think all professionals working with children and young people would benefit from this training.” Participant attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (June 2024)
    Storm Skills Training Feedback
    Testimonial 16
    “The training methodology kept the audience engaged, allowed knowledge sharing, skills practice in a safe and encouraging environment, and at all times we were monitored on a personal level to ensure our wellbeing- and were really encouraged to look after ourselves but in a meaningful way. It's exceptionally challenging to keep an audience engaged and upbeat during a 2 day virtual training session, particularly with such a sensitive subject, and this was managed brilliantly.”
    Participant at V5 training in June 2024
    “The training methodology kept the audience engaged, allowed knowledge sharing, skills practice in a safe and encouraging environment, and at all times we were monitored on a personal level to ensure our wellbeing- and were really encouraged to look after ourselves but in a meaningful way. It's exceptionally challenging to keep an audience engaged and upbeat during a 2 day virtual training session, particularly with such a sensitive subject, and this was managed brilliantly.”
    Testimonial 16
    Testimonial 15
    “As a person-centred approach is very important in my professional role, I appreciated the collaborative and compassionate content of the course, as it spoke my language so to say. It validated my way of working yet enhanced my skills by giving permission to be more direct with clients about self-harm and suicide. The facilitators were incredibly personable, inclusive, kind, congruent, and non-judgemental. They held the group particularly well and were caring when pointing group members toward self-care rituals and activities following intense bouts of learning.
    Young Persons Counsellor - Participant at V5 training in June 2024
    “As a person-centred approach is very important in my professional role, I appreciated the collaborative and compassionate content of the course, as it spoke my language so to say. It validated my way of working yet enhanced my skills by giving permission to be more direct with clients about self-harm and suicide. The facilitators were incredibly personable, inclusive, kind, congruent, and non-judgemental. They held the group particularly well and were caring when pointing group members toward self-care rituals and activities following intense bouts of learning.
    Testimonial 15
    Testimonial 11
    "The training provided lots of useful discussions for how we could put skills into practice for our client group. Thank you!!!"
    Laura
    Clinical Psychologist
    "The training provided lots of useful discussions for how we could put skills into practice for our client group. Thank you!!!"
    Testimonial 11
    Testimonial 3
    "I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Storm training. It is in my opinion an essential requirement for front-line public service providers!"
    Tony
    Trainer at an NHS Foundation Trust
    "I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Storm training. It is in my opinion an essential requirement for front-line public service providers!"
    Testimonial 3
    Testimonial 2
    "The STORM ® training has helped me so much. I feel more confident in working with low mood and high risk clients. I have learned skills and gained practical tools to help with my practice and I would highly recommend this training. I think it will make a real difference to my clients. It was interesting and enjoyable - invaluable."
    Linda
    Counsellor
    "The STORM® training has helped me so much. I feel more confident in working with low mood and high risk clients. I have learned skills and gained practical tools to help with my practice and I would highly recommend this training. I think it will make a real difference to my clients. It was interesting and enjoyable - invaluable."
    Testimonial 2
    Testimonial 1
    "Really enjoyable course, [our facilitator] put the group at ease from the very beginning. Lots of information to take in, but delivered in a way that flowed. Plenty of time for practice of skills and the role plays were facilitated in a way that made people feel comfortable. Looking forward to putting my newly acquired skills in to practice."
    Training Team Manager
    NHS Foundation Trust
    "Really enjoyable course, [our facilitator] put the group at ease from the very beginning. Lots of information to take in, but delivered in a way that flowed. Plenty of time for practice of skills and the role plays were facilitated in a way that made people feel comfortable. Looking forward to putting my newly acquired skills in to practice."
    Testimonial 1
    Testimonial 14
    "Excellent training opportunity, very informative presentations and booklets. Excellent opportunities to learn and listen from other areas of experience. Excellent facilitator."
    Roisin
    Family Support Worker
    "Excellent training opportunity, very informative presentations and booklets. Excellent opportunities to learn and listen from other areas of experience. Excellent facilitator."
    Testimonial 14
    Testimonial 13
    "[Our facilitator] did a very good job facilitating training for individuals with a broad range of knowledge and experience levels. The Storm training provided good hands on experience for practicing the skills required. It left me feeling much more confident to deal with the process of assessing and managing self-harm and suicide."
    Meryl
    Clinical Psychologist
    "[Our facilitator] did a very good job facilitating training for individuals with a broad range of knowledge and experience levels. The Storm training provided good hands on experience for practicing the skills required. It left me feeling much more confident to deal with the process of assessing and managing self-harm and suicide."
    Testimonial 13
    Testimonial 12
    "Good framework for institutional approach to risk management and practical on the ground skills and techniques for mental health/security/pastoral staff and those responding to students who are distressed."
    Head of Wellbeing
    At a University in the UK
    "Good framework for institutional approach to risk management and practical on the ground skills and techniques for mental health/security/pastoral staff and those responding to students who are distressed."
    Testimonial 12
    Testimonial 10
    "Really useful and reassuring course on primary care and assessment and management of suicide risk/self-harm."
    Dr. Palmer
    GP
    "Really useful and reassuring course on primary care and assessment and management of suicide risk/self-harm."
    Testimonial 10
    Testimonial 9
    "Interactive and engaging sessions, useful opportunities for self reflection and skill development. Lovely & respectful facilitator."
    Jade
    CAMHS Practitioner
    "Interactive and engaging sessions, useful opportunities for self reflection and skill development. Lovely & respectful facilitator."
    Testimonial 9
    Testimonial 8
    "[Our facilitator] was really enthusiastic about the topic and managed to engage with the whole group. This could have been a 'boring' topic but it was made relevant and engaging."
    Dr. Narhlya
    GP
    "[Our facilitator] was really enthusiastic about the topic and managed to engage with the whole group. This could have been a 'boring' topic but it was made relevant and engaging."
    Testimonial 8
    Testimonial 7
    "An invaluable course for anyone working in the field of mental health."
    Vanessa
    Counsellor at an NHS Foundation Trust
    "An invaluable course for anyone working in the field of mental health."
    Testimonial 7

    Our training pathways

     

    We work with individuals, small teams, and large organisations. Whether you're a solo practitioner, a small charity, or a large organisation, we're here to help you enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence in suicide prevention with our training courses.

    We’ve worked alongside organisations of all sizes. As a not-for-profit training provider, we’re more than just a course provider - we’re a supportive partner who cares about making a lasting difference.

    We take the time to understand your workforce needs and tailor our support to help you meet them effectively.

    At the heart of our work is a simple goal: to help you choose the right training solution - one that’s sustainable, effective, and aligned with your mission.

    Train the Facilitator (cascade) model

    We work with you and your team to ensure the program is effectively delivered across your workforce. Our team supports you at every stage - from providing guidance on facilitator recruitment and onboarding to delivering high-quality facilitator training and providing ongoing support.

    Facilitators will be trained in the advanced level course of the training package, giving them a strong understanding of both the knowledge content and the skills-based training methods.

    They will also learn how to confidently deliver the course content and effectively facilitate learning in line with best practice.

    If your workforce exceeds 50 employees, this option may be the most suitable, depending on workforce pressures, the capacity to release team members for training delivery, and the availability of administrative support to ensure a successful rollout.

    This option involves:

    • Strategic support: We work alongside you to guide and support you in the successful rollout of the program across your workforce.
    • Training: Your team will receive high-quality training to ensure facilitators are skilled, confident, competent, and fully prepared to deliver effective training to your workforce.
    • Access to materials: Facilitators receive comprehensive delivery guidance and full access to all required training materials.
    • Ongoing support: To ensure long-term success, we provide continued support so your facilitators remain confident and well-supported in their role.
    • A license: A clear legal framework that outlines what we can expect from each other.
    Enquire

    In-house (Direct to Participant) training

    With our in-house training (Direct to Participant model), we deliver our high-quality, evidence-based, self-harm and suicide prevention training directly to your team in small groups of four to eight participants, either online or face to face.

    This small group size creates a safe, engaging learning environment and allows for more personalised support and effective learning outcomes.
    This model is a great option for smaller workforces, but many larger organisations also choose it when they don’t have the capacity for their internal team to train as facilitators through our Train the Facilitator model.

    It also works well for organisations with diverse teams spanning different roles and responsibilities. Multiple training levels can be commissioned, ensuring each member of your team receives training that is right for their role.

    We believe suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and our training supports people from all backgrounds, from experienced mental health professionals to people who are new to talking about suicide and self-harm, to respond effectively to someone in distress.

    All courses delivered directly by Storm Skills Training are CPD-accredited through The CPD Certification Service. Training is delivered by experienced training consultants and frontline mental health practitioners, combining clinical expertise with advanced facilitation skills to ensure it is delivered sensitively, safely, and effectively.

    We’ll work closely with your team to understand your training goals and explore which course level and delivery pathway may be the best fit. For Intermediate and Advanced levels, we can tailor skills practice scenarios to your setting, making the learning more relevant to your team.

    Enquire

    Combination of delivery methods

    Some of our customers prefer a blend of both in-house (Direct to Participant training) and Train-the-Facilitator training models. Contact us to discuss the best solution tailored for you and your team’s unique needs.

    Enquire

    Online open courses for individuals and smaller teams

    We developed online open courses to make our training accessible for individuals and smaller organisations with just a few team members looking to enhance their skills in self-harm and suicide prevention.

    Learn more on our Open Courses page.

    Enquire

    Frequently Asked Questions

     

    What is the Storm Skills Training learning model?

    As you may guess from our name, our focus is very much on skills – the practical side of self-harm and suicide prevention. What to say and how to say it (and even a little bit of what not to say).  The applied nature of our course is what team members enjoy most about our courses.

    This practical approach to training is what the evidence demonstrates is effective in increasing skills confidence and knowledge, it is the foundation of the Storm Skills Training learning model.   

    The model includes opportunities for your team to:

    • Participate in a group discussion
    • Learn about research, best practice, and lived experience
    • Watch and feedback on a demonstration of the skills in a video
    • Participate in skills practice (some of these are filmed) - including small group self-reflection and feedback
    • Whole group film playback - including self-reflection and group feedback

    The training is dynamic, interactive, and challenging. All of our consultants are highly experienced in both working on the frontline and facilitating training.

    Get in Touch >

    Are Storm Skills Training courses accredited?

    Courses delivered directly by us, including the Train-the-Facilitator and Direct-to-Participant courses, have full Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation with The CPD Certification Service.

    Get in Touch >

    Who will deliver my Storm Skills Training course?

    One of our passionate and highly skilled consultants will deliver the training to your team. They will help you to enhance your knowledge and skills to reduce the incidence and impact of self-harm and suicide. They all have extensive knowledge and experience in suicide prevention. They will work with you to teach you practical skills that you can use in real-life situations.

    Learn more about our consultants >

    Is training in person or online?

    We offer both options. All our courses are facilitated by an experienced consultant and is focused on the group learning together.

    The research that supports the efficacy of Storm Skills Training has been carried out in face-to-face training. We continue to deliver face-to-face.

    However, during the pandemic we were able to make the transition to online training, and this is now part of our offer.

    Content, learning outcomes and duration are the same across both modalities.

    Each setting has its own set of advantages and barriers, chat to our team about what is best for your context.

    Get in Touch >

    How many people can attend a Storm Skills Training course?

    Our training model uses small groups of up to eight to maximise facilitation of learning and skills development, and to prioritise emotional safety. This means that your consultant can maintain a safe learning environment whilst attending to each individual’s level of knowledge and experience.

    Get in Touch >

    What should I expect from Storm Skills Training?

    We are proud to be a not-for-profit social enterprise that is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that our differences make us stronger.

    In everything we do, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

    We have integrity, and we are a fair, honest, and ethical organisation that people are proud to be associated with. We are committed to excellence, social responsibility, and believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and kindness.

    By working with us, you'll be part of a community that is committed to supporting our mission and vision toward less lives lost to suicide and self-harm.

    Working with our team means that you will receive attention and support throughout your experience with us. We take the time to get to know each of our customers and your specific needs to make sure that we provide training sessions that meet your unique requirements.

    We’ll work closely with you to ensure that your team are completely satisfied with the training services that we provide.

    Get in Touch >

    Is the Storm Skills Training package kept up to date?

    Our community has a diverse range of needs, so we continually improve our training approach and content to match their requirements.

    We do this by keeping our training package up to date so that it reflects the latest research, guidance, best practice, and lived experience knowledge (including the latest NICE Guidance, published in September 2022).

    Feedback is extremely important to us, so we regularly reach out to our customers and consultants for feedback to make sure we continue to deliver an exceptional training experience.

    Get in Touch >

    Learn more

    What our customers say about our training:

    Participant, Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults),
    “I would really recommend this course to those who are starting out as a mental...
    Read More
    Participant Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults),
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “I would really recommend this course to those who are starting out as a mental health professional but also to those who have years of experience. It was helpful to gain insight into other ways of offering support and engaging young people in difficult conversations. Of particular benefit to my personal practice was the module on sharing information and how we can collaborate with young people in this. I am also more confident at completing safety plans with young people.”
    Participant, Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults),
    Participant Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults),
    Kacy , Pastoral - Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Intermediate Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “The course was very useful and valuable...
    Read More
    Kacy, Pastoral | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Intermediate Course (Children & Young Adults)
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “The course was very useful and valuable to someone who is dealing with this on a daily basis. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone working in the environment where young people feel comfortable in confiding in them. I am more confident in my own abilities and looking forward to putting this into practice.”
    Kacy , Pastoral - Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Intermediate Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Kacy, Pastoral | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Intermediate Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Olubukola, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “I work in the acute unit and this training will be very valuable to me...
    Read More
    Olubukola, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “I work in the acute unit and this training will be very valuable to me, especially the role play that boosted my confidence in my role as an RPN, I will definitely recommend this training.”
    Olubukola, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Olubukola, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Olivia, Senior Clinical Psychologist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “I found the training very helpful and would recommend it to other professionals. It...
    Read More
    Olivia, Senior Clinical Psychologist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “I found the training very helpful and would recommend it to other professionals. It provides a compassionate, person-centred and collaborative approach to supporting someone in distress. The move away from basic risk assessment and use of formulation is most welcome in order to support meaning-making and create an individualised approach.”
    Olivia, Senior Clinical Psychologist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Olivia, Senior Clinical Psychologist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Inga, CAMHS, Student Social Worker Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “I learned the essential importance of effective...
    Read More
    Inga, CAMHS, Student Social Worker | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “I learned the essential importance of effective communication and active listening skills, which are crucial when engaging with young people experiencing emotional distress. I gained valuable insights into various interventions and techniques aimed at promoting emotional well-being and resilience in young people. Self-reflection on areas for improvement was a valuable opportunity to learn from role plays and colleagues’ feedback. The significance of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams equipped me with practical tools and strategies to enhance me with my future practice supporting children and young people.” 
    Inga, CAMHS, Student Social Worker Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Inga, CAMHS, Student Social Worker | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Alison | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)

    “I...

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    Alison | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    ☆☆☆☆☆

    “I found this course really valuable. I would definitely recommend it. I will be able to use the skills immediately in my work. The person-centred, compassionate approach is very much in keeping with my day to day practice. Specifically, I now feel more confident working with and supporting clients experiencing SH and SI. I now have a clear framework to work from. This was an excellent course. Regarding the format and delivery our facilitator Jez was really clear in his communication and sharing of the content of the course and the feedback he gave was useful and constructive. Thank you Jez!”

    Alison | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Alison | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    John, Chaplain at a Detention Campus Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Open Course (Children & Young Adults)
    “An excellent tool for professionals working to...
    Read More
    John, Chaplain at a Detention Campus | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Open Course (Children & Young Adults)
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “An excellent tool for professionals working to help young people in crisis. Comprehensive, engaging and empowering. The framework is adaptable and relevant, and offers an effective insight into best practice around self harm and suicide intervention.”
    John, Chaplain at a Detention Campus Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Open Course (Children & Young Adults)
    John, Chaplain at a Detention Campus | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Open Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Catherine, Counsellor/Therapist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    “I have updated my skills in line...
    Read More
    Catherine, Counsellor/Therapist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “I have updated my skills in line with best practice. I now feel more competent and confident in dealing with people struggling with suicidal ideation or self-harm.”
    Catherine, Counsellor/Therapist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    Catherine, Counsellor/Therapist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    Maura, Staff Nurse | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    “In-depth information on how to approach an...
    Read More
    Maura, Staff Nurse | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “In-depth information on how to approach an assessment for both self-harm and suicide. Very valuable training to assist you while working with vulnerable adults.”
    Maura, Staff Nurse | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Maura, Staff Nurse | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Rachel, Social Work Team Leader Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    “Engaging course clearly grounded in research &...
    Read More
    Rachel, Social Work Team Leader | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    ☆☆☆☆☆
    “Engaging course clearly grounded in research & best practice which helps develop confidence in assisting people experiencing thoughts of suicide & self-harm”
    Rachel, Social Work Team Leader Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    Rachel, Social Work Team Leader | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult) - 2.5 days
    Paula, Senior Speech and Language Therapist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)

    “I...

    Read More
    Paula, Senior Speech and Language Therapist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    ☆☆☆☆☆

    “I found this course very useful. I would highly recommend it to colleagues. I would encourage anyone working with young people who are experiencing self-harm or suicidal ideation to complete this training.”

    Paula, Senior Speech and Language Therapist Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Paula, Senior Speech and Language Therapist | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Storm Skills Training Feedback - Participant, Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults), June 2025
    “I would really recommend this course to...
    Read More
    Participant | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    ★★★★★
    “I would really recommend this course to those who are starting out as a mental health professional but also to those who have years of experience. It was helpful to gain insight into other ways of offering support and engaging young people in difficult conversations. “Of particular benefit to my personal practice was the module on sharing information and how we can collaborate with young people in this. I am also more confident at completing safety plans with young people.”
    Storm Skills Training Feedback - Participant, Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults), June 2025
    Participant | Attended Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Children & Young Adults)
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Sara, Doctor at an NHS Foundation Trust
    "What I Found Most Beneficial: -Learning structured approaches to identifying and evaluating suicide risk was ...
    Read More
    Sara, Doctor at an NHS Foundation Trust | Participated in Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    ★★★★★
    "What I Found Most Beneficial: -Learning structured approaches to identifying and evaluating suicide risk was particularly useful, especially for high-risk settings like an inpatient psychiatric ICU.(my current setting) -The course provided clear, evidence-based techniques for de-escalation, active listening, and safety planning, all of which are critical in psychiatric care. -Focus on Empathy and Communication. -Case studies and role-playing exercises helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, making the learning process engaging and effective. How I Will Apply This Knowledge in Practice: -Conduct thorough risk assessments using validated tools. -Implement personalized safety plans to empower patients in managing their distress. -Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care. Overall, this course has significantly strengthened my confidence and skills in suicide prevention, and I highly recommend it to anyone working in mental health or crisis intervention settings. Thank you for an insightful and impactful learning experience!"
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Sara, Doctor at an NHS Foundation Trust
    Sara, Doctor at an NHS Foundation Trust | Participated in Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Advanced Course (Adult)
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Mary, Staff Nurse, HSE
    "Very informative course. Very relative in my area of work. Learned a lot about how ...
    Read More
    Mary, Staff Nurse | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Adult - Advanced) in October 2024
    ★★★★★
    "Very informative course. Very relative in my area of work. Learned a lot about how to communicate during assessments both verbal and nonverbal and what questions to ask. The importance of recapping during assessment and making the client involved in their care plan. Gained confidence in myself when engaging with clients and building rapport."
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Mary, Staff Nurse, HSE
    Mary, Staff Nurse | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Adult - Advanced) in October 2024
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Jenifer-Julie

    “The course was...

    Read More
    ★★★★★

    “The course was excellent. Bianca was extremely supportive of me personally in the delivery of this course. I learnt so many strategies and techniques which I fully will use in my professional role to support individuals and their families. The course was sensitively delivered. The topic is a very hard area to talk about, and of course train others in, but I felt fully supported and felt through her excellent facilitation, that my experience and skills were valued. I would highly recommend this course to other professional in mental health to attend.”

    Jenifer-Julie, CPN | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Adult - Advanced) in June 2024.

    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Jenifer-Julie
    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Sharon, Residential Social Care Worker

    "I ...

    Read More
    ★★★★★

    "I would recommend this training to other organisations I have personally worked with. I found the facilitators to be very honest, respectful, and compassionate. I have come away from the training more confident in asking those difficult questions about suicide or self-harm while helping someone in distress. This training provided insight into the lived experience of practitioners, which created evidence that the skills used with a young person provide a safe place for a conversation. I plan to incorporate this training into my work, asking the question in a way that young people will understand. Excellent training made very interactive and enjoyable."

    Sharon, Residential Social Care Worker | Attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (Intermediate Pilot - Children and Young Adults - June 2024)

    Storm Skills Training Feedback: Sharon, Residential Social Care Worker
    Storm Skills Training Feedback
    “I found the course very insightful and feel I've come away with tools to put...
    Read More
    ★★★★★
    “I found the course very insightful and feel I've come away with tools to put into practice in future. I enjoyed the facilitators approaches and their passion for supporting children and young people really shined through! I would certainly recommend this training to other professionals and colleagues. I now feel better equipped to have conversations with children and their families about suicide and self harm, whereas before I wouldn't have felt as confident or knowledgeable. I am very likely to implement what I have learnt in my role as a support worker. Children and young people in foster care in particular are much more at risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and self harm, therefore I will certainly use the skills learnt from the training in future. I now feel more able to recognise warning signs in children and young people and feel more confident to create safety plans where these signs can be identified alongside the young person and realistic coping techniques implemented. I think all professionals working with children and young people would benefit from this training.” Participant attended Version 5 Storm Skills Training in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention (June 2024)
    Storm Skills Training Feedback
    Testimonial 16
    “The training methodology kept the audience engaged, allowed knowledge sharing, skills practice in...
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    Participant at V5 training in June 2024
    ★★★★★
    “The training methodology kept the audience engaged, allowed knowledge sharing, skills practice in a safe and encouraging environment, and at all times we were monitored on a personal level to ensure our wellbeing- and were really encouraged to look after ourselves but in a meaningful way. It's exceptionally challenging to keep an audience engaged and upbeat during a 2 day virtual training session, particularly with such a sensitive subject, and this was managed brilliantly.”
    Testimonial 16
    Participant at V5 training in June 2024
    Testimonial 15
    “As a person-centred approach is very important in my professional role, I appreciated the...
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    Young Persons Counsellor - Participant at V5 training in June 2024
    ★★★★★
    “As a person-centred approach is very important in my professional role, I appreciated the collaborative and compassionate content of the course, as it spoke my language so to say. It validated my way of working yet enhanced my skills by giving permission to be more direct with clients about self-harm and suicide. The facilitators were incredibly personable, inclusive, kind, congruent, and non-judgemental. They held the group particularly well and were caring when pointing group members toward self-care rituals and activities following intense bouts of learning.
    Testimonial 15
    Young Persons Counsellor - Participant at V5 training in June 2024
    Testimonial 11
    "The training provided lots of useful discussions for how we could put skills into practice ...
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    Laura
    Clinical Psychologist
    ★★★★★
    "The training provided lots of useful discussions for how we could put skills into practice for our client group. Thank you!!!"
    Testimonial 11
    Laura
    Clinical Psychologist

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    If you are interested in learning more about our training packages, please reach out to us.

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    Linda's Story:

    Meet Linda Gask: Co-founder

    I studied medicine in Edinburgh, before moving to Manchester where I trained in psychiatry. I had both professional and personal interest in mental health, having experienced depression and anxiety myself. I was acutely aware of the need for effective communication to better understand and work with my patients.

    Storm Skills Training started as a research project Manchester University funded by the Department of Health in the 1990s. Myself and Richard Morriss developed a training package that demonstrated how using viewing recorded roleplays could actually change people’s behaviour. We first tested our approach in Preston, then across a wider area in South Lancashire.

    At that point, we named it Storm Skills Training and we were joined by Gill Green to roll out the delivery of training. Gill further developed Storm as a CIC and it’s wonderful to see how it has grown to where it is today under Bianca and her team.

    My passion for many years has been on making mental health support more accessible in primary care. Until the Spring of 2023, I was Presidential lead for primary care at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and I continue to offer advice on the issue.

    I moved to Orkney full time in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. I am Chair of a local mental health organisation called the Bilde Trust. As a rural community, we face our own challenges with mental health – it’s great to be involved in making a difference where I live.

    Orkney is a wonderful place, unlike anywhere else in Scotland or the UK. I particularly enjoy writing here. After my first book, The Other Side of Silence, was published, I wrote my second (Finding True North) about how moving here positively impacted my own mental health.

    My third book will be published at the end of 2024, exploring mental health and feminism. Maybe then I will take it easy, but that’s very hard for me to do!

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    Storm Skills Training CIC:

    Registered Office: Storm Skills Training CIC, The Exchange, Brick Row, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 1DF.

    © 2023 Storm Skills Training CIC | Company number: 07726889

    A not-for-profit social enterprise delivering high-quality skills training in self-harm and suicide prevention.

    Keith's Story

    Meet Keith Waters: Non-executive Director

    Keith has over 25 years of clinical experience in Liaison psychiatry, self-harm and suicide prevention and was awarded an Honorary Research Fellowship by Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (DHCFT) in 2013.

    For many years he was the lead for the Derby site of the Multicentre Study of self-harm in England, a study which he still maintains a very active role in. Until recently he was the Clinical director for self-harm and suicide prevention for the Trust and retains a post within the research team.

    Keith is also a Storm Skills Training consultant with many years experience in facilitating, delivering, and supporting Storm Skills Training and has for a number of years held a seat on the National Suicide Prevention Alliance steering group.

    He has been the Suicide Prevention manager for the East Midlands and Clinical Advisor for Suicide Prevention with the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network, developed a business and clinical case for Liaison Psychiatry Services in Derbyshire, and was the clinical advisor for its implementation.

    Keith is an experienced trainer, facilitator, and presenter in Self Harm and Suicide prevention and management, locally and nationally in addition to the work with DHCFT and Storm Skills Training, has helped develop and delivered an initially lottery-funded suicide awareness training program across the East Midlands and organised chaired and delivered at numerous nation conferences and events. Keith has also been a joint author on numerous published research works, and chapters in clinical textbooks on self-harm and suicide prevention and has contributed to policy and practice guidance developments locally and nationally.

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    Alf's Story

    Meet Alf Hill: Non-executive Director

    I first encountered Storm Skills Training CIC during my time as a volunteer Business Mentor at Unltd – a charity that supports social enterprises. Co-founder Gill Green was one my mentees in 2010 when Storm Skills Training was still within the University of Manchester and at the beginning of its journey to becoming an independent Community Interest Company.

    At our first meeting I asked Gill, “How do you think I can help you?” Gill’s response was “Well… you could explain accounting to me.” We worked together for 18 months to develop Storm Skills Training as a social business. When Storm Skills Training CIC was finally incorporated in 2011, I was invited by Gill and Linda to be a non-executive Director and became Chair of the Board ten years later in 2021.

    I’ve had a diverse career; initially as a civil servant, then in senior management and executive and non-executive roles in insurance and reinsurance in the UK and USA, in the corporate sector, and in Lloyd’s of London.

    I returned to the public sector initially in adult education then at the Equal Opportunities Commission, later the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

    A qualified accountant, I’ve been trustee of several charities, local and national, currently the Yapp Charitable Trust and the Centre for Investigative Journalism.

    At Storm Skills Training, post-pandemic I feel that we are stronger than ever. I’m excited about the future with our new team with an ambitious plan.

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    Gill's Story

    Meet Gill Green: Co-founder

    My career has taken me from nursing to academic research and finally to the development of Storm Skills Training CIC as a skills training company.

    When I was nursing, so many of my patients often expressed that they felt so hopeless that they thought about ending their life. And like so many of my colleagues, I felt ill-equipped to know the right way to respond. It was a dilemma that I wanted to address through skills training – to give fellow healthcare professionals the confidence and practice they needed to have those difficult conversations.

    In 1997, it was a chance job advertisement in a national paper for a Trainer and Researcher that introduced me to Storm Skills Training. At the time, I saw the 12-month project, working with Linda Gask at the University of Manchester, as an opportunity to learn new skills to take back to clinical practice. After the project, I stepped away for a few years, remaining in research but working with prisons on a different project. Research was definitely where I wanted to be.

    I came back to the University of Manchester in 2003, when Linda and I started to develop the training package we now know as Storm Skills Training. It was important to us to translate the theory into usable, effective practice. I knew that as a healthcare practitioner, it wouldn’t be enough to sit in a room and be ‘taught’ suicide prevention. It is only through practice that we can actually ‘do’ suicide prevention.

    I’m looking forward to supporting Bianca in realising her vision for where we go to next – and to exploring even more new directions for my own career. 

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    Bianca's Story

    Meet Bianca Romanyk: CEO

    With over two decades of experience in the mental health field, I am proud to lead Storm Skills Training as CEO - an organisation dedicated to transforming how we respond to self-harm and suicide through compassionate, evidence-informed training.

    My journey began as a probationary psychologist in community mental health in rural Australia, where I worked across diverse areas including crisis assessment and long-term support for individuals with severe mental illness. These formative years instilled in me a deep belief in the power of human connection and the importance of empathy in mental health care. I developed a particular interest in supporting young adults with complex trauma and was fortunate to train in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), further shaping my commitment to person-centred care.

    In 2013, I encountered Storm Skills Training for the first time as a trainee facilitator. The experience was transformative. I saw firsthand how the training empowered professionals to have life-saving conversations with those in distress. This moment marked a turning point in my career, aligning my passion for mental health with a mission to create systemic change.

    In 2015, I relocated to the UK and joined Storm Skills Training, beginning my journey with the organisation on World Suicide Prevention Day. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to expanding our reach and impact, working alongside an incredible team and community of consultants who share a vision for a more compassionate world.

    Outside of work, I find joy in nature, creativity, and caring for my two dogs, Derek and Doris. I’ve recently embraced a new chapter as a foster carer, continuing my lifelong commitment to supporting young people.

    At Storm Skills Training, I am driven by the belief that we can—and must—do better for those in distress. My vision is a world where every person feels empowered to help, where support is tailored to individual stories, and where compassion is at the heart of every response.

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    Find support:

    If you need help and support please reach out for it, here are some options:

    Samaritans (UK)

    Email: jo@samaritans.org

    Phone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

    Visit: samaritans.org

    International Association for Suicide Prevention (International)

    Visit: findahelpline.com/i/iasp