Supporting People Experiencing Suicidal Ideation and Nonsuicidal Self-Injurious Behaviour

Aim

Develop your confidence in how to care for and support people experiencing acute suicidal ideation and nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviour. This comprehensive and practical workshop is designed for those new to this area, or professionals wanting a refresher around the core skills of engagement, risk assessment and safety planning. Examine the latest New Zealand statistics and explore common drivers behind suicide and self-injury. The workshop will also provide an introduction to managing chronic suicide and self-injury risk in a community setting, and how you and your agency can apply models and frameworks to help manage and respond to dynamic risk and protective factors in your setting.  

Overview and Learning Intentions

• Explore common drivers influencing suicide and self-injurious behaviour

• Understand recent New Zealand data

• Models for assessing risk – with cultural and demographic considerations 

• Explore direct screening questions within a compassionate approach

• Gain tools for screening and communicating with others about a person’s suicide risk

• Develop confidence in how to manage persons with suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviours in the community

• Acute and ongoing care and support of people with suicidal ideation and self-injury

• Practice carrying out a suicide screening session, apply models and skills to your specific area of practice

• Learn tips for how to talk care of yourself when working in this area of practice*

  * We recommend participants also attend ‘Self-Care and Professional Practice when Working with Trauma and Tragedy' to develop their skills for maintaining their own wellbeing.

Keeping it Real | Kia Pono te Tika

1. Working alongside tāngata whaiora

2. Working alongside tāngata whenua

3. Working alongside whānau

5. Challenging discrimination

6. Applying law, policy and standards

7. Maintaining learning and kamahi wellbeing

Workshop Type: Introductory | Workshop Level: Five | Catering: Refreshments provided

What Participants Have Said

"This workshop was a safe space to kōrero and ask pātai about this topic that is often tapu"
 - October 2025

"Mel was down to earth, respectful, knowledgeable and a great communicator. I felt the content was fantastic, informative, and explained really well where I was able to understand, as well as Mel being able to communicate with those more advanced in knowledge and experience. I found all the information was really interesting and relevant to my mahi"
 - July 2025

"I really liked the way it was presented and the inclusiveness of involving conversations with peers in the room, great introduction time and fantastic to network, and wow a lot of experience in the room.”
 - July 2025

“I really appreciated the reminder that we need to prioritize listening over being solution focused. I also found the tools that provided clear guides to risk assessment and safety planning really helpful and will be incorporating these into my own practice.”
 - October 2024

“Mel was clearly expert in this topic so it felt like I could rely on his knowledge and advice.”
 - August 2023

• Cancellations made up to 10 working days before a workshop will incur a $39 service fee.

• Cancellations (or non-attendance) made 10 working days or less will not be refunded and the full workshop fee will be charged. 

• No fee applies if you are able to find a replacement participant.

• MHERC reserves the right to cancel a workshop at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient registrations.

• Only one person may view a webinar session per registration.

Please read our full Terms and Conditions before registering.

• Advanced Suicidal Ideation and Nonsuicidal Self-injurious Behaviour: Models and Strategies for Interventions

• Managing Youth Suicide and Self-Injury (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury)

• Self-Care and Professional Practice when Working with Trauma and Tragedy