Youth suicide-prevention training programme launched

Teachers, parents, youth workers and other professionals can avail of a new suicide prevention training programme as Cayman aims to expand efforts to help young people struggling with issues.

“Signs of Suicide is an evidence-based, one-hour online suicide prevention training for adults in elementary, middle and high school settings,” said Carolina Ferreira, designated safeguarding lead for the Ministry of Health.

“The training helps teachers and staff members learn how to support students who may be at risk, as it is important that all safe adults feel equipped to identify and appropriately handle such situations should they arise.”

The Signs of Suicide programme will make a training module available through 31 Aug. next year.

A collaborative effort

Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks noted that the prevention of youth suicide “requires a holistic, multi-faceted, and collaborative effort between health professionals, educators, communities, families and young people themselves.”

“This work is ongoing,” added Ebanks-Wilks, “and to be effective, it must go beyond awareness and build upon knowledge and skills. Open and compassionate conversations about this difficult topic is the first and most vital step in ensuring that those who need help receive it.”

Heather Bodden, parliamentary secretary for social development and education, said teachers and school staff are often among the first to notice when a student is struggling, and she encouraged all staff to sign up. “One hour of training could make a lasting difference in the lives of our children and young people,” she said.

The Child and Youth Mental Health Project was established last year, and includes multiple ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the Alex Panton Foundation, the Mental Health Commission and the UK Health Security Agency, in an effort to coordinate a national response to suicide prevention.

The new training pilot is funded by the Office of the Deputy Governor, and managed by the Ministry of Health, which spearheads the Child and Youth Mental Health Project, with support from the Ministry of Education and Training and the Department of Education Services.

The Alex Panton Foundation has reported that a national survey has shown that one in three children had reported suicidal ideation and 13% had reported attempting suicide, but only 5% of these children had sought treatment.

Access to the training

Chief Nursing Officer Felicia McLean welcomed the launch of the new pilot programme, saying, “We strongly believe that a one-hour, online, evidence-based training will be accessible to most, if not all, professionals and concerned adults.

“We are also hoping that this training will spark greater interest in knowledge and skills development in both suicide prevention and mental health support, leading more people to seek out in-depth, holistic training opportunities such as the Mental Health First Aid training.”

The Ministry of Health is contacting public and private schools about the training. Parents and members of the public who are not affiliated with a school and who wish to access the training can email carolina.ferreira@gov.ky or check government social media channels for more information.