Easy Read Workbook
Suicide Prevention, Mental Health First Aid & Staff Safety
Who This Workbook Is For
This workbook is for:
Students and trainees
Carers and support workers
Nurses and health staff
Teachers, tutors, and lecturers
Advocates and mentors
Managers and supervisors
You do not need to be a professional counsellor.
Purpose of This Workbook
This workbook helps you to:
Understand suicide prevention
Support people safely
Use basic counselling skills
Look after your own safety
Know when to get help
Learning Outcomes (Easy Read)
By the end of this workbook, you will:
Know five ways to help prevent suicide
Recognise warning signs
Know what to say and what not to say
Understand staff and learner safety
Know who to contact in an emergency
Section 1: Understanding Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention is about:
Reducing risk
Increasing support
Helping people feel less alone
Suicide prevention works best when:
Individuals are supported
Families and carers are involved
Communities work together
Section 2: Five Suicide Prevention Strategies (Easy Read)
1. Reduce Access to Dangerous Items
This means keeping people safe during a crisis.
Examples:
Lock medicines away
Store sharp items safely
Secure firearms where relevant
Keep poisons and chemicals locked
This gives time for help.
2. Increase Access to Mental Health Support
Support can include:
Talking to someone trusted
GP or doctor
Counselling or therapy
Crisis helplines
Getting help is a strength, not a weakness.
3. Teach Coping and Problem-Solving Skills
Coping skills help people manage distress.
Examples:
Breathing exercises
Talking about feelings
Breaking problems into small steps
Asking for help
You are not fixing everything. You are helping them cope.
4. Strengthen Social and Practical Support
People struggle more when they feel:
Alone
Like a burden
Under pressure
Support can include:
Family and friends
Support workers
Community groups
Help with money or housing
5. Use Safe and Respectful Language
Helpful language:
“You are not alone”
“I’m glad you told me”
“Help is available”
Avoid:
Blame
Shame
Judgement
Saying suicide is selfish
Section 3: Basic Counselling Skills (Easy Read)
These skills are used in many jobs.
Key Skills
Attending – giving full attention
Active listening – really listening
Reflecting – repeating feelings back
Paraphrasing – using your own words
Summarising – checking understanding
Rapport building – trust and respect
Immediacy – talking about safety now
Always check you have understood correctly.
Section 4: Warning Signs (Easy Read)
Possible signs include:
Talking about wanting to die
Feeling hopeless or trapped
Mood changes
Withdrawing from others
Giving away belongings
Increased alcohol or drug use
Not everyone shows the same signs. Always take concerns seriously.
Section 5: Staff, Student & Trainee Safety
Your safety matters too.
General Safety Guidelines
Never work beyond your role
Do not promise secrecy
Follow policies and procedures
Keep records of concerns
Report concerns to a manager
Working With Distressed People
Some mental illnesses can affect:
Mood
Behaviour
Impulse control
This does not mean the person is bad. But safety must come first.
If You Feel Unsafe:
Keep physical distance
Stay calm and speak slowly
Do not argue or challenge
Get help from a colleague
Leave the situation if needed
Lone Working Safety
If working alone:
Tell someone where you are
Have a phone with you
Know exit routes
Trust your instincts
Section 6: What To Do In a Crisis
If someone is in immediate danger:
Call emergency services
Stay with them if safe
Get professional help
Never try to manage a crisis alone.
Section 7: Support Services
UK
Samaritans: 116 123
NHS 111 or GP
USA
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Worldwide
Section 8: Easy Read Quiz
Question 1
Suicide prevention is only for counsellors. ☐ True ☐ False
Question 2
If someone talks about suicide, it should be taken seriously. ☐ True ☐ False
Question 3
Staff safety is important when supporting others. ☐ True ☐ False
Question 4
Which is a helpful thing to say? ☐ “You are a burden” ☐ “I’m glad you told me”
Question 5
If you feel unsafe, you should: ☐ Stay quiet and ignore it ☐ Get help and follow procedures
Section 9: Quiz Answer Sheet
False
True
True
“I’m glad you told me”
Get help and follow procedures
Final Message (Easy Read)
You cannot fix everything. But you can:
Listen
Care
Keep people safe
Get help when needed
That matters.
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