World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10th, is a global initiative to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open dialogue around suicide prevention. This year, we mark the day with an exciting launch: the RSPH Level 4 Award in Suicide First Aid®, a pioneering qualification developed in collaboration with the National Centre of Suicide Prevention and Education Training CIC (NCSPET) and the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
This new qualification represents a crucial step forward in suicide prevention training, offering in-depth, professional development for those on the frontlines of mental health support. Suicide is a complex public health issue, but with the right tools, we can help reduce the number of lives lost to this tragic outcome.
About NCSPET
NCSPET is an award-winning community interest company specialising in providing suicide prevention training and guidance to organisations and community members in order to meet the goal of a suicide-free society.
NCSPET has long been at the forefront of mental health and suicide prevention education, offering specialised training programmes designed to equip professionals and volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively respond to those who have thoughts of suicide. With a reputation for delivering robust, research-based courses, NCSPET has empowered thousands of people across the UK and worldwide to engage in meaningful interventions that save lives.
About RSPH
The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is the world’s oldest public health agency. It has a long and proud history of advocating for and enabling changes that transform the nation’s health for the better. RSPH is the leading specialist provider of public health qualifications and training in the UK.
RSPH’s collaboration with NCSPET in developing the Level 4 Award in Suicide First Aid® reflects its commitment to addressing mental health crises, including suicide, as critical components of overall public health.
The RSPH Level 4 Award in Suicide First Aid®
This new qualification is designed to elevate the skills of professionals in roles where suicide thoughts are present. From frontline healthcare workers, social workers, and educators to community leaders and volunteers, the Level 4 Award provides advanced training to recognise, intervene, and support those with thoughts of suicide. It offers an evidence-based approach grounded in the latest suicide prevention research and best practices, helping participants gain the confidence to make lifesaving decisions when it matters most.
This award is unique in its comprehensive scope, providing learners with:
- In-depth understanding of suicide and the potential signs.
- Practical 3-step intervention to engage in sensitive and effective conversations with a person who is having thoughts of suicide.
- Certification from RSPH.
Quotes on the Collaboration:
Neil Laybourn, brand ambassador for Suicide First Aid®, said:
“On World Suicide Prevention Day, we are reminded of the urgency of this issue. The RSPH Level 4 Award is an invaluable resource, equipping professionals with the necessary tools to intervene when it matters most. I am proud to support this initiative and hope it will play a significant role in reducing the number of preventable deaths.”
Jamie Compton-Rea, COO of NCSPET, commented on the collaboration:
“NCSPET has always been committed to developing high-quality, accessible suicide prevention education. Partnering with RSPH on this Level 4 Award is a milestone in our shared mission to equip professionals with the training they need to make a real difference. Together, we are empowering more people to intervene at crucial moments and help save lives.”
Jenni Peprell, Director of Qualifications, of RSPH, echoed this sentiment:
“Suicide prevention is a major public health challenge. Every life that is tragically lost to suicide has a deep and far-reaching impact.
Our focus has to be on embedding knowledge of suicide prevention as far as possible with those who have the potential to make life-saving interventions.
We are pleased to be partnering with the NCSPET to offer this qualification, and through our partnership, we hope to ensure that knowledge of suicide prevention is widely accessible.”
Why This Matters on World Suicide Prevention Day
The launch of this qualification on World Suicide Prevention Day highlights the importance of both raising awareness and equipping individuals with the right tools to respond. This collaboration is not just about education; it’s about fostering a culture where suicide is recognised early and intervened upon with empathy, care, and expertise. Each suicide prevented is a life saved, and with the RSPH Level 4 Award in Suicide First Aid®, we take one more step towards a world where people with thoughts of suicide have their needs met.
Become a Suicide First Aider®
To learn more about the RSPH Level 4 Award in Suicide First Aid® and how you or your organisation can get involved, visit https://www.rsph.org.uk or https://suicidefirstaid.uk. On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s stand together, commit to learning, and take action to support those who need us most.