‘I found the training informative and appropriated the recommend reading as both have helped to fill any small gaps in my information or confidence and reassured me that what I have been doing is the right approach’.
The PABBS training was fantastic. I was captivated by the trainers and the passion they had for their work. The course elements were very well structured, insightful and engaging. It made me reflect on how I had responded to suicide and things that I could aspire to do differently going forward. The course material was comprehensive and full of information on bereavement and where to go for support. The training gave me an excellent foundation to build on and links to resources I never knew existed. A massive thank you.
The training was superb.
‘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’.
PABBS training provides a safe environment for those attending to consider the wider impact suicide has on all those involved from immediate/extended family, friends and staff members involved in the care of the individual. The research and information given on the day was thought provoking and reminded me as a mental health professional that much more needs to be considered postvention as often we are more focused on risk assessments and professional worry regarding the care we provide.
As an addictions practitioner I was delighted to see the inclusion of substance use in the discussion as I am very much aware of the increasing risk associated with this and the impulsivity of individuals using during high risk times. I feel PABBS training promoted and highlighted how mental health and addiction services must work more closely together in order to respond better to those in need.
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”.
I really enjoyed the course for several reasons. It was tailored specifically for Northern Ireland to ensure we had statistics and information specifically for our country which was very helpful as sometimes courses provide information for the UK which may not always be applicable to Northern Ireland. The trainers were exceptionally friendly and knowledgable and although dealing with a very serious subject they handled it with care and sensitivity. It was also very impactful to have the training delivered by people who had personally been impacted by suicide, so they were able to share their own experiences when appropriate. The time flew and it was a great balance between theory and time for reflection and discussions. A highly recommendable course, which also sends you away with many new and helpful resources.
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 3rd 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
“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.
I have recently come in to post to work as a Bereavement and End of Life Nurse Specialist. As part of my development, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the one-day PABBS suicide bereavement training day. I cannot recommend this training day enough. The speakers were very welcoming and professional, and the session was very informative and driven by evidence-based theory. I gained a valuable insight into the lives of those affected by suicide and gained new skills, knowledge and understanding of the true impact of suicide and the ripple effect that it can have on family, friends, and professionals. There was a good mix of backgrounds from the attendees which created a rich learning environment and an excellent networking environment too. The environment was a safe place for open and honest discussions and learning. The training day has certainly helped build my confidence in caring for those bereaved or affected by suicide. I am looking forward to attending future training modules.
I attended the PABBS course in Gloucester on 23rd 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.
Having personally witnessed the emotional and psychological carnage that can erupt following a suicide (for both families, clinicians, and the wider community). I now recognise the need for open, honest, and supportive channels of communication. This training program delivers the structure for this in a no-nonsense, well-designed approach, from skilled and knowledgeable speakers who have experienced this from either a personal or professional perspective. This is an essential program that should be actively embraced if we are to support those affected to overcome the aftermath of suicide, and I would implore all NHS Scotland boards to embrace this postvention model and help break down the barriers that can so often hinder the grieving process.
“Before the training commenced I was worried the content would be really sombre and draining but I was totally wrong; it was delivered so professionally and in such a way that it was interesting, informative and very respectful. The interaction with the facilitators was great, attendees around the room were interactive and there was a real interest vibe from everyone. I took quite a bit from the course, it made me look at suicide bereavement in a completely different way; I hadn’t realised how many people are affected by it and I certainly wasn’t aware of the stigma surrounding suicide. In my role as a Prison Family Liaison Officer I am the person who breaks the news to the next of kin of their loved one’s death, the PABBS training helped me understand the support I need to offer, the best way to approach issues and also to think about the wider picture of professionals who may be impacted from the death. The training was excellent and will be a useful tool for me and my colleagues moving forward.”
“The PABBS course contained a very good balance of information and practical guidance around creating an effective Suicide Postvention response. The presenters were experienced and knowledgeable and the opportunity to learn from them and engage with the other course participants has increased my understanding and confidence around helping to manage my organisation’s response to a suicide, should it ever be necessary. Thank you very much for an extremely useful training day”
“I attended the PABBS training in Manchester in May 2021. I had been catapulted into the strange world of suicide in October 2019 when our son, Cameron, died by suicide. Making any sense of this new journey in life takes multiple inputs and PABBS has been a significant part of the post-suicide journey for me. Barry and Liz were outstanding speakers but also excellent hosts for the event, making me feel welcome and cared for in what was quite an emotionally-charged day. My fellow delegates were also a remarkable group of people who impacted me in a very positive way. Barry’s quote of the day will stay with me forever: “In the world of suicide, today’s postvention is tomorrow’s prevention.” Thank you, PABBS, for an inspirational day of training and for helping me move forward in my grief”
“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”