The role of the psychologist in responding to youth suicide in schools
- This event has passed.
£153 for BPS Members
This workshop will prepare psychologists to respond ethically and confidently using evidence-based strategies to a suicide death within a school setting.
The impact of a youth suicide on a school community can be immediate and traumatic. International research has identified a phenomenon known as suicide ‘contagion’, where a person’s knowledge of (or exposure to) a suicide increases the likelihood of them viewing suicide as an option. In these circumstances schools need clear and practical information, which they can rely on for guidance and direction, to reduce this risk and support help-seeking behaviours among their student cohort. Psychologists working in schools are therefore in a prime position to provide this information and to guide and support the school following the death of a student (i.e. complete a suicide postvention response). The topics covered will include:
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- Legal implications for school
- Managing social media, memorials, anniversaries and birthday
- Managing suicide attempt
- Managing a death that cannot be referred to as a ‘suicide’