Suicide and self-injury: a recovery based approach.

Abstract

This article describes a new training programme for clinical staff working with those who present with self-injurious and suicidal behaviour using a recovery focused approach to promote safety and manage risk. The two-day programme was developed and piloted initially in a high secure setting before being adapted for multi-mental health settings. It was subject to rigorous review and reflects the current literature base for high-quality and effective care for working with people who engage in suicidal and self-injurious behaviours. The early indicators are that the introduction of a skills-based training approach to caring for those who pose a risk to themselves does increase staff awareness and improve staff attitude and competencies. The training course described is unique because it fully embraces the recovery approach, demonstrating a truly collaborative model of risk assessment and personal safety planning.