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Trust launches Navigating Suicide Prevention programme
Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has launched Navigating Suicide Prevention, a programme designed to help colleagues recognise when someone may be at risk, have compassionate conversations about suicide and connect people with appropriate support.
Navigating Suicide Prevention is a Trust-wide programme built around resources developed by Dr David Aaron, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, with support from colleagues across the organisation.
The programme provides access to nationally recognised suicide awareness training from the Zero Suicide Alliance, alongside practical guidance developed by Dr Aaron.
Formally launched at the Trust's Quality Conference on 21 October, it aims to build a culture where people feel able to talk about suicide and colleagues feel confident and supported to respond.
Provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 5,728 suicides were registered in England in 2025, highlighting the continuing importance of suicide prevention.
At the launch, Dr Aaron explained how Navigating Suicide Prevention was developed and introduced the campaign video, helping colleagues understand the contribution they can make for patients, one another and their communities.
The programme includes resources designed to help colleagues have conversations about suicide, respond to immediate safety concerns and connect people with appropriate support.
Zero Suicide Alliance suicide awareness training is now available to Trust colleagues. It is mandatory for all clinical staff and encouraged for non-clinical colleagues. The course explores warning signs, approaches to supportive conversations and sources of further help, using practical scenarios and lived-experience videos.
Dr David Aaron said: "This began with patient access colleagues reporting more encounters with people in suicidal crisis, without training or guidance to support them. Suicidal distress can come to light anywhere, so the programme helps staff across the Trust feel prepared and supported to respond."
The Trust's Chief Nursing Officer, Talib Yaseen OBE, said: "Suicide prevention is everyone's business, and colleagues need to feel supported to play their part.“Navigating Suicide Prevention brings together training, practical guidance and routes to help, so staff can respond with compassion and confidence."We are proud to support this programme and give colleagues the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to help people when they need it most."
Through Navigating Suicide Prevention, the Trust aims to make suicide awareness, compassionate conversations and shared responsibility for suicide prevention part of everyday care.
People can access free suicide awareness training through the Zero Suicide Alliance website: www.zerosuicidealliance.com/suicide-awareness-training .