Professional Training

For each suicide death, approximately 135 people suffer intense grief or are affected profoundly by the suicidal behaviour [IASP]. These individuals, also known as ‘suicide survivors’, are also found to be at higher risk of mental health problems and increased risk of suicide. Suicide survivors usually face the twin tasks of mourning the loss and coping with the trauma that accompanied the death. Family members and significant others who are simultaneously grieving the loss are often limited in providing adequate support for each other. The tendency for each suicide survivor to grieve differently may also complicate the grief process as a family or system.

In the longer term, skilled professionals have a major role to play in enabling suicide survivors deal with their experience and find relief from their trauma-based symptoms. To do this, professionals need to be aware of the psychological and social domains of life affected by suicide death, integrating grief and trauma treatments.

At Level 2, participants will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to provide psychological support to suicide survivors in the longer term, drawing on current literature, real-life scenarios and simulated role play practices.

Practitioners, para-counsellors or those in supervisory positions who may encounter suicide losses in the course of their work and are potentially required to extend post-crisis support to those affected by the suicide death.

The skills and knowledge for this course, which the learner is assumed to possess, are as follows:

• Be able to listen and speak English at a proficiency level equivalent to the Employability Skills System Workplace Literacy (WPL) Level 6
• Be able to read and write English at a proficiency level equivalent to the Employability Skills System Workplace Literacy (WPL) Level 6
• Be able to use numeracy skills equivalent to the Employability Skills System Workplace Numeracy (WPN) Level 6
• Learners need to have basic knowledge of computer skills
• Preferably with relevant qualification or experience in the area of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Casework management, Education and/or Management
• Prerequisite: completed ‘Suicide Loss: Post-crisis Management (Level 1)’ or equivalent

Mode of Delivery: Blended learning (Classroom and Asynchronous E-learning)

Assessment Details: Written Assessment and Role Play

Remarks: The facilitated classroom will be conducted face-to-face at SOS. Learners will be required to attend the assessment (e.g. Role Play / Oral Interview) after the training.

• Day 0: Mandatory E-Learning (to be completed before Day 1 of training)
• Day 1: Facilitated Classroom Training (including a Written Assessment of 45 minutes)
• Day 2: Role Play / Oral Interview (45 minutes per learner)

Note: Block bookings by Agencies or Entities can be arranged separately. Minimum of 15 pax and maximum of 20 pax to start class.