STORM® training is ‘Skills-based Training on Risk Management’ for Suicide Prevention and Self Injury. The training package was developed by the University of Manchester and is intended for frontline workers in health, social and criminal justice services. STORM® training is the suicide prevention model used in the NHS and British Prison System.

STORM® focuses on developing, through rehearsal, the skills needed to assess and manage a person at risk of suicide in the short and medium term. STORM® training has been developed for use by professionals only within their work remit and is not intended for general caregivers. STORM® trained workers are equipped to deal with the immediate crisis and also to work longer term with the individual.

The aim of the training is to give workers very practical skills to a) make an in-depth assessment of a person’s risk of suicide b) to put measures in place to keep them safe in the critical 72 hour period of crisis c) once the crisis has averted to support the person to learn new problem solving skills d) to develop crisis prevention skills and a crisis prevention plan with the person so that the risk of suicide is reduced into the future.

STORM® training allows organisations to give comprehensive support to their clients who may be at risk of suicide. In the majority of cases a suicide risk assessment is not carried out in A&E or at a GP’s which, according to research heightens the risk of a completed suicide, and many people are simply discharged following medical examination. STORM® training allows for clients to be supported effectively within their own environment and also increases the opportunity for longer term key skills development in problem solving and crisis prevention which aim to reduce the risk of suicide into the future.

STORM® Self Injury Training gives frontline workers key skills in assessing and crisis managing self injury among their clients. The training looks at attitudes to self injury, the relationship of self injury to suicide, exploring emotional and psychological states in lead up to a crisis, skills in harm minimisation, and developing alternative coping strategies.

For more information contact Aoife Hallissey, Community Support Worker on 01 6238001 or community@ballyfermotadvance.ie