Mental Health Professionals

‘I found the PABBS Training to be very informative.  The trainers were excellent in their presentation of information throughout the day and there was plenty of opportunity for discussion. The training highlighted the impact of suicide on both those bereaved and the wider impact on others e.g. friends, work colleagues, health professions, emergency responders etc. I would certainly recommend this training to those working in mental health.  So much to take away and consider’.

‘This training is essential for those supporting individuals through such difficult times. I learnt so much, and feel so much more confident to use the tools  in my practice’.

‘Having worked within Primary Care for many years and it was so valuable to be able to attend the PABBs training. Within my role I am often the first contact for patients who have been bereaved by suicide. The training has increased my confidence in being able to signpost appropriately and provide the right information to patients needing support. I would highly recommend this training for Primary Care Teams’.

‘I found the training to be so valuable and so necessary.  Its a rare thing to be in a space where we as professionals can unpack the complexity of suicide and its impact on individuals and society at large. To be together as we wade through opinions, biases, fears and hopes in a mutually supportive and held training. What I found to be most powerful was the emphasis on raw and current statistics around suicide, and how sharing the personal impact of that data makes it more likely that we become agents of change. The training gave everyone space to speak from both  a personal and professional perspective about the impact of suicide ,  and to speak from the heart in a safe and compassion centred context’.

” I was very reassured by the professionalism behind the PABBS training delivered recently to a multiagency audience in Powys. It was a very clear, interesting and timely presentation and provided safe opportunities for small group discussion. Our goal is to ensure greater awareness of this area within our School Service, and that every school has a postvention protocol to follow when necessary.”

I found the training to be very comprehensive and well delivered. For a subject matter that is of course potentially very emotive, the course material and facilitators got the tone absolutely right. The lived experience although incredibly sad, and a legacy that nobody wishes to have, added that extra sincerity and credibility to the delivery. The group size was perfect with all participants very respectful of each other and everyone had the opportunity to contribute. The evidence base behind the findings consolidated how to safely and sensitively support persons bereaved and affected by suicide which in itself contributes to suicide prevention.

I really enjoyed the PABBS training event delivered by Angela and Sharon. The content was both thought provoking and informative. The training provided useful resources and workbooks that I am looking forward to sharing with my colleagues. Personally, I feel the training increased my confidence in engaging with individuals who have been bereaved by suicide. It has encouraged me to be mindful of the language often used in service provision and reinforced the importance of being a listening ear. “It’s okay not to have all the answers, we cannot solve but we CAN support”.

Fab training provided, very informative and knowledgeable has been able to enable me to share information with our liaison practitioners and gave me the information which I was able to put together for the practitioners which in turn enables them to support  individuals who are in need of support from bereavement by suicide and able to signpost them for further support so gaining this knowledge was massive and extremely helpful for our Liaison team.

The training also provided a safe space to discuss this very sensitive subject.

The day went to fast thank you

I really enjoyed the PABBS Training on Tuesday. I found it interesting -both the handouts and the delivery/content of the training were extremely informative. Both Sharon and Angela were very friendly and approachable and by sharing their own lived experiences it made the training feel a lot more personable than just learning about statistics etc. I have learnt skills and knowledge that will be invaluable to my role and would highly recommend this training for anyone working within the Mental Health Field.

‘My name is Lisa and I took part in the PABBS training on the 3^rd May. I have been a mental health professional for over 10 years now, working in adult acute care, and have been in my current role as a Street Triage Clinician for approx. 2 years. Throughout my career and personal life, I have been continuously exposed to people ending their life by suicide and also worked very closely with people who are struggling with bereavement from suicide.

I found the structure of the day very engaging and the resources will certainly be something I will take forward in my role, as signposting to appropriate services is a huge part of what I do now, as effective signposting is crucial.

I found the trainers amazing in their approach from the outset, and they managed to deliver what is a very difficult and emotive subject with passion. They were very open and engaging and supported everyone throughout the day.

I really think this training could make a huge difference in our field and would recommend it to anyone.’

Thank you for putting together such an amazing course with all of those involved

I found the training event incredibly beneficial.  It was thought provoking, informative and provided a safe space for colleagues to discuss openly and share experiences. The trainers were brilliant hosts and trainers; it was a privilege to hear their stories. The training provided a safe space for some very open and honest conversations, which were powerful in terms of getting people to think differently around the language we use about suicide and the whole assessment process.

Thank you very much 

This Postvention [PABBS] evidenced-based training is the best around and delivered on everything it promised. Well-paced, with knowledgeable facilitators, the training offered participants exactly what was promised. Equipping us with the skills to confidently support individuals who have sadly been bereaved by suicide.

“I am currently the new Family Liaison Officer for MPFT and recommended to join the PABBS training. Within my role I will be supporting bereaved families that have lost loved ones through suicide. The PABBS training course I attended was very informative and has given me the tools to feel more confident to support families through an extremely difficult time. The training gave a valuable insight into the lives of those affected by suicide and was driven by evidence based theories along with real life stories. The training was delivered brilliantly by Liz and Angela.”

I recently attended the PABBS training with Angela and Sharon and it was refreshing to be able to speak so openly on a subject matter that others may try to avoid. The day was well structured and the resources shared were exceptional. The day was well paced, engaging and Angela and Sharon set a suitable environment to ensure no question was a ‘silly question’ and welcomed them all to be asked. As an organisation, we were able to recognise what we do well, but also left us with ways to improve and with the confidence to do so.

Before attending the PABBS training my experience of working with those bereaved by suicide was very minimal. I felt the team I worked within didn’t have the necessary skills and knowledge whilst working with these clientele. However when I arrived at the training I was left feeling more confident and equipped to work with families bereaved by suicide. […] I was not just able to hear the voice of the families, but also professionals like myself who support these families, how it felt for them, and what the best ways are when supporting families bereaved by suicide.

One thing, and alongside more others, that I can never forget from the training is that…

‘You may not be able to bring the loved one back, but you can definitely be flexible and listen to what families or who else has been affected by the bereavement need; and require from us professionals’.

I think the PABBS training was so informative and delivered in a really efficient way. Being provided with studies and workbooks has been really useful in refreshing my memory on what was discussed, and also an aid in further self-reflection. I would recommend this training to everyone, regardless of knowledge and experience as you will definitely learn something new. The space felt really safe and the trainers held us all very well. So glad I did this training.

I attended the PABBS course in Gloucester on 23^rd November 2021.  The training was a valuable experience. Focus was on Postvention, an important area often overlooked historically for survivors of suicide of friends and families that have taken their lives. The course was handled sensitively by the facilitators. There were clear presentations with information provided on recent clinical research into the area . Sharing experience with attendees helped support confidence, to those who have come into contact with families. I would encourage both statutoru and non-statutory members to attend.

“I feel privileged to have attended and I strongly recommend we promote attendance within our KMPT family. I strongly believe if we can field enough we have an opportunity to change cultures, save lives and offer truly meaning postvention, not just those personally bereaved but those professionally to”

“I attended Kent’s first cohort of Postvention Assisting Those Bereaved by Suicide and admittedly I wasn’t entirely sure what I was expecting and I say openly, this was the most thought provoking and strangely energising CPD course ever attended”

“I would like to say that this training is one of the best trainings I have attended for some time. Both facilitators were easy to listen to and each owned a wealth of knowledge that they were happy to share. I felt that everyone felt comfortable in asking questions and joining in group discussions. Prior to the course I thought that due to the subject matter the course would be dry. However, it was made enjoyable and fun, leaving me wanting more. Thank you to both of you”