Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
The Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA), collaborating with Liverpool City Council, has introduced a new LGBTQ+ Suicide Awareness Training course aimed at enhancing confidence in supporting mental health struggles within LGBTQ+ communities. This training, offered online at no cost, integrates lived experiences, community perspectives, and clinical knowledge to shed light on the specific factors that influence suicide risk among LGBTQ+ individuals. It also provides practical advice on how to engage in caring and empathetic conversations.
Dr Claire Iveson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director for Suicide Prevention, Quality Practice, and ZSA at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue about suicide. She remarked, “At ZSA, we want to keep conversations about suicide going, and more importantly relevant and inclusive to all voices in our communities. This new training builds on our wider programme of free training designed to empower and equip people to talk about suicide.” She acknowledged the contributions from those sharing their personal experiences, highlighting the training’s foundation in real-life situations. Dr Iveson also addressed common fears around saying the wrong thing, noting that the course seeks to boost confidence in recognizing when someone might be struggling and encourages compassionate outreach.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, recognized the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people, such as discrimination and stigma, which negatively affect mental health. He stated, “We know that LGBTQ+ people can face discrimination, stigma and other challenges that have a real impact on mental health. It’s crucial that we create safe, supportive environments where people feel able to speak openly and seek help.” This initiative was developed with active involvement from the LGBTQ+ community and clinical experts, aiming to help participants identify those in distress and respond with empathy and care.
Supporting this endeavor, Anne Marie Lubanski, Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Adult Care and Health at Liverpool City Council, and Chair of Liverpool’s Strategic Suicide Prevention Forum, emphasized the city’s commitment to suicide prevention. She said, “Suicide prevention is a key priority for us in Liverpool, and we know the impact of every life lost is felt deeply across our communities.” She acknowledged that members of the LGBTQ+ community face additional obstacles, including isolation and stigma, and praised the training as an important development combining research, lived experience, and clinical expertise. Dr Rory McGill, Director of Public Health at Sefton Council and lead Director of Public Health for Cheshire and Merseyside for Suicide Prevention, also contributed, underscoring the need to destigmatize conversations about suicide to save lives. He described the training as a sensitive and practical resource that encourages compassionate responses.
Mike Skegg, Founder of The Collaborative Network CIC, expressed his support for creating inclusive environments. Reflecting on his personal loss, he shared, “Creating safer, more inclusive environments has always been at the heart of my work… Being part of shaping this training and completing it myself, I’ve seen how thoughtfully it brings together lived experience and practical guidance, and I’m really proud to have contributed to this work.” The LGBTQ+ Suicide Awareness Training is now accessible for free at the Zero Suicide Alliance website
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.