Boys & Men: Self Harm & Suicide Prevention (Open Access Course)

About This Event

Live online training via MS Teams

The Academy at Harmless is pleased to offer life-saving training to delegates from all sectors and backgrounds through its Open Access Courses.

Research shows men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, yet far less likely to seek support. Our training equips you with knowledge of male-specific risk factors and practical skills to challenge stigma around men’s mental health. The course also builds confidence to spot risks early and offer timely support.

Learning outcomes:

• Improve awareness of self harm and suicide in males
• Understand the unique risk factors that impact males
• Reduce stigma and discrimination associated with self harm and suicide for men
• Develop skills to create an inclusive environment and support someone affected by self harm and/or suicide
• Improve confidence and competence to understand and manage self harm and suicide
• Consider signposting to appropriate services locally and nationally

Our online training is delivered via MS Teams. Once registered, you will receive an email with login details for the session. During sessions, we provide all delegates with frequent breaks to ensure that screen fatigue is kept to a minimum.

Who Should Attend
Focused on the complex and unique risks associated with self harm and suicide among boys and men, this specialist training is highly valuable for any professional or individual dedicated to supporting males of all ages.

Target audience:

• Organisations Supporting Males: Any organisation or group whose services are aimed at or disproportionately utilised by boys and men, including sports clubs, veteran services, and male support charities.
• Healthcare Professionals: Primary Care Staff (GPs and practice teams) who may be the first point of contact for men experiencing mental distress.
• Mental Health Services and Clinical Staff: who require specific training on how distress may manifest in males and how to guide them to appropriate support.
• Frontline & Non-Clinical Staff: Frontline Community Staff (e.g., social prescribers, support workers) and Voluntary Sector staff who work with at-risk communities.
• Welfare settings: Staff and providers in areas such as homeless shelters, supported housing, and housing associations.
• Workplace and Public Service: Managers and HR Staff who are responsible for the well-being of a male-dominated workforce (e.g., construction, manufacturing, transport).
• Emergency & First Responders: Police, Fire Service, Paramedics, and other Emergency Services personnel.
• Justice Services and Educational Settings: All roles that may come in to contact with boys and men who may require support.
• Informal Support Networks: Families, carers, friends, and colleagues of boys and men who may be struggling with their mental health, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

About Harmless
Harmless is the centre of excellence for self harm and suicide prevention. Each year, we support thousands of people who self harm, are in suicide crisis or have been bereaved by suicide. We’re also committed to sharing our expertise so everyone feels confident talking about mental health and supporting those in distress. That’s why we created The Academy at Harmless – to equip people to respond with confidence and compassion when it matters most. All our inclusive, interactive training is CPD-accredited, aligned with national guidelines and delivered by expert Training & Education Officers.

Self-Care
The topics covered in this training can be emotionally challenging. Delegates are encouraged to be mindful of the personal impact that this training may have and to seek reassurance, support or guidance from the Trainer if they feel distressed or affected. We also encourage delegates to practise self-care throughout the course – taking breaks as needed and managing personal disclosure. All Trainers have direct access to a clinical team for additional support if required.