NSU sets target for ALL Newman Students to complete training for Suicide Prevention Day 2020

Ryan Beasley
General Manager
​Newman Students' Union

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Thursday 10th September marks Suicide Prevention Day 2020, and now more than ever during the global pandemic, we need to help and support each other. 

We know that there is an alarming and growing rate of suicides in young people, and as a Students' Union, we feel that it is our duty to educate our students so that we can collectively help each other, and prevent as many of these tragedies as possible.

This is why your Students' Union are asking ALL NEWMAN STUDENTS to spend just 5 minutes of their time to complete at least 1 of 3 modules on the Zero Suicide Alliance website. 

These modules are completely FREE and what's more, if you screenshot your completion page or certificate, we will give you credits towards your Leadership & Development Programme Accreditation! To receive this accreditation, please send a screenshot of your certificate to Scarlet Moss, Employability & Voice Coordinator on: s.moss@newman.ac.uk .

We want EVERY Newman Student to have a basic level of Suicide Prevention Awareness so that we have an entire community that is ready to support others when they need it most...

There are three modules you can take, two are roughly 5 minutes long, while the third and more intense takes around 20 minutes to complete. They are:

Module 1: Step Up Module (5 Minutes)
The Step Up Module gives you a brief introduction to social isolation, and how to help someone who may be isolated. It covers how to adjust to the "new normal" following the Coronavirus and takes into account the changes in how many of us live and work.
https://www.relias.co.uk/hubfs/ZSA-StepUp/story_html5.html​ 

Module 2: Gateway Module (5 Minutes)
This is a very brief introduction to Suicide Awareness where you could learn skills to help someone considering suicide. This module will give you tips on how to approach someone if you are worried that they may be considering taking their own life.
https://www.relias.co.uk/hubfs/ZSA-GatewayModule/story_html5.html

Module 3: ZSA Suicide Awareness Training (20 Minutes)
This is a more in depth Suicide Awareness Training session. it aims to give you the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide. It focuses on breaking the stigma and encouraging open conversations.
https://www.relias.co.uk/hubfs/ZSA-FullTraining/story_html5.html

PLEASE REMEMBER, THAT WHILE WE WANT TO RAISE AWARENESS, BREAK THE STIGMA, AND KNOW HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS, WE DON'T WANT STUDENTS TO FEEL LIKE THEY NEED TO BE A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOURSELF OR OTHERS IN DANGER, AND ALWAYS CALL 999 IN AN EMERGENCY.

Newman Students' Union has made a significant effort this year to support the wellbeing of its students and its staff. Earlier this year, NSU signed up to and are accredited by the "Time to Change" campaign, rethinking how we view mental health, while also supporting staff to manage working from home with it's new approach to flexible working, which in turn will enable them to effectively help our students.
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Please join us in our fight to improve the mental health of our community at Newman!