Police officers deal with suicide throughout their career but many have not had the training to process the emotional impact.
Now, Northumbria Police Federation rep, Sergeant Jonathan Carr, in his role as learning and development lead for Northumbria Police Men’s Support Network, is organising two suicide prevention and awareness training events.
He wants to give officers and supervisors the tools to support themselves, colleagues and the public.
Jonathan said: “Suicide is not rare in policing. Officers often deal with people in crisis, attend sudden deaths, and support bereaved families at scenes that can stay with you.
Police Federation rep, Sergeant Jonathan Carr
“Many report feeling anxious and uncertain how to respond to those bereaved by suicide, due to a lack of training.
“Responding to these incidents can have a direct impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
“At the same time, there is a national focus on police suicides. The figures are alarming, and the risk can increase during periods of investigation or intense pressure.
“This training aims to give officers and supervisors the skills and confidence to deal with these issues.”
Training event
The first training event is called Responding To Suicide.
It takes place on Friday 27 March from 8.45am to 4.30pm at Forth Banks and is for PCs, sergeants, and inspectors.
Delivered by Suicide Bereavement UK, it is informed by the lived-experience of emergency service personnel and people bereaved by suicide.
The day aims to:
- Offer officers an opportunity to build knowledge, confidence and skills in responding to and better supporting those bereaved or affected by suicide
- Understand and take steps to address the personal impact traumatic events can have on emergency personnel
- Improve staff knowledge and understanding when responding to those bereaved or affected by suicide
- Outline a person-centred practical response to suicide
- Explore the effects of exposure to traumatic events
- Develop a personal plan to reduce the effects of exposure to incidents of suicide
- Analyse current responses to suicide and consider how to improve support to those bereaved or affected
Support network
Northumbria Police Men’s and Women’s Support Networks are joining together to organise the second session in the MEL Armstrong training room from 9am to 5pm on Monday 30 March.
Delivered by Washington MIND charity, the day is for frontline PCs and sergeants. It aims to build emotional resilience, workplace resilience, and provide suicide prevention.
The training will provide them with the skills to recognise when colleagues are struggling, to have difficult but necessary conversations, and to manage stress and set healthy boundaries.
Jonathan said: “If one officer leaves feeling more confident or more able to cope with what the job throws at them, then this training has done its job.”
Places on both courses are limited to 20. Contact Jonathan by email or Teams to register your interest, stating your role, area command and why you want the training.
READ MORE: Making suicide and mental health everyone’s business.