Suicide First Aid · global delivery enquiries
SFA: Understanding Suicide Intervention (USI)
The adult/general programme for recognising thoughts of suicide, having a supportive conversation and helping someone move towards safety and support.
- Private groups
- UK · Australia · International
The right fit
Who this programme is for
People who may support an adult thinking about suicide, through work, volunteering, community life or personal relationships. Relevant roles include healthcare, education, HR, community leadership and social care. No previous suicide prevention training is required.
For international groups, we agree language, time zones, cultural context and support pathways before delivery. Availability and award arrangements are confirmed for the country and cohort, not assumed to be identical worldwide.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and skills you can use
- Recognise verbal, behavioural and situational indicators of thoughts of suicide
- Ask directly and listen with care, without judgement
- Explore options and help the person connect with appropriate support
- Use the Suicide-Safety Guide’s three-step first-aid approach
- Understand confidentiality, consent, boundaries and self-care
Course content
What we explore together
- Attitudes, values, stigma and the impact of suicide on others
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide behaviour, intention and outcome
- Prevention, intervention, postvention and partnership working
- Recognising and asking; listening and exploring options; helping the person cope
- Safety, referral pathways and care for the supporter
Practical learning
Format, participation and care
Length and delivery
One full day in person, 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Online: two half-day sessions, each 9:00 am–1:00 pm, on two separate days.
Tutor-led in person or online. We confirm location, language, local support pathways and scheduling before booking.
A supported learning space
Tutor-led presentations, case studies, discussion and practice help you work through the first-aid approach. The programme includes audio-visual teaching material.
IAP does not require personal disclosure. You can ask for a break or discuss an adjustment before taking part. The content addresses suicide directly; if it feels too close to home at the moment, talk to us about suitability and timing.
Training supports a first-aid response. It is not therapy, clinical risk assessment or a replacement for safeguarding and emergency services.
Awards · International
Attendance, assessment and qualifications
Everyone who successfully completes the course receives a certificate of completion. If you’d like to take your learning further, you can choose to complete an additional assessment or assignment (for an additional fee) to work towards a Level 4 qualification, where available.
Individuals and small groups
Verified open online course
Tuesday 2 – Wednesday 3 February 2027 · 09:00 – 13:00 GMT (UK time) on both days. Online via Zoom, delivered as two half-day sessions.
This is the adult/general USI course, with UK-time scheduling. Learners outside the UK should check country suitability and award arrangements with IAP before booking. The listing’s eligibility, ticket and refund terms apply.
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