We are pleased to share the release of the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2024 (PDF) which focuses on Tobacco.

Introduction

These courses provide the opportunity not only to increase knowledge and awareness of suicide prevention and mental health but also to reflect and share thoughts and experiences which better equip us all in our work, volunteer and personal roles.

Feedback to date has been extremely positive, so we are confident that you will benefit from attending. As ever, we would welcome your interest and feedback as we consider our training needs going forward Contact: publichealthtraining@somerset.gov.uk.

All of the training courses below are either free or they have been fully funded by Somerset Public Health and are therefore free to access.

Suicide Prevention Training

Zero Suicide Alliance – Free 30 minute online Suicide Awareness training

Through the 30 minute suicide awareness training you will gain skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide. Complete the Zero Suicide Alliance Awareness training.

Every Life Matters Suicide Prevention Training

Suicide Alertness Bitesize (1 hour)
This one hour online training session is aimed at anyone in the local community who wants to understand more about suicide and what we can all do to make a difference. Follow this link to view dates and book: Every Life Matters – Somerset Events – 14 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Suicide Alertness (Orange Button Training) (3.5 hours)
This 3.5 hour online training session is aimed at anyone who wants to understand more about suicide, how to know when someone may be having thoughts of suicide, how to talk directly and comfortably about suicide, and what we can all do to offer practical support. Follow this link to view dates and book: Every Life Matters – Somerset Events – 14 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Safety Planning (2.5 hours)
Safety Planning is part of the best practice NHS guidance for preventing suicide (NHS – Staying safe from suicide). This 2.5 hour online session gives you the skills and tools to support an individual to develop their own safety plan. It is suitable for anyone in a support role who has already taken one of our bitesize or alertness courses, and wants to gain further skills in suicide intervention. Follow this link to view dates and book: Every Life Matters – Somerset Events – 14 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Mental Health Training

Emotional Wellbeing E-learning

This e-learning has been developed by Public Health in partnership with colleagues across Somerset Council. The purpose of the training is to help people to understand and manage their own emotional wellbeing but also give them the confidence and skills to help others and create a more supportive workplace. It will take approximately one hour to complete. The e-learning can be accessed by anyone, you do not need to be a member of staff at Somerset Council.

Joining Instructions (Please note, you do not need to log in to access the course)

  1. Visit The Learning Centre – Emotional Wellbeing Course
  2. Click: Manual Login
  3. Click: Log in as a guest
  4. Please complete the short feedback form upon completion

Adult Mental Health First Aid Champion Training (1-day)

This one day course provides learners with an understanding of common mental health issues and the ability to spot signs of mental ill health. Learners also gain confidence to advocate for mental health awareness and challenge stigma. Please visit the Mind in Somerset – MHFA Champions for information about the course, dates and how to apply.

Adult Mental Health First Aid – Orange Button Training (2-day, face-to-face)

This face-to-face course is an internationally recognised training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. MHFA won’t teach you to be a therapist, but just like physical first aid, it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond.

Please visit: Mental Health First Aid – Mind in Somerset for information about the course, dates and on how to apply.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – Orange Button Training (2 day, face-to-face)

ASIST is a two-day face-to-face workshop featuring powerful audiovisuals, discussions, and simulations. At ASIST , you will learn how to prevent suicide by recognising signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive. Please visit the Mind in Somerset ASIST page for more information, dates and how to apply.

information

To view free mental health and emotional wellbeing training programmes available for Somerset Schools, Colleges and Children and Young People Practitioners, please visit: Somerset children and young people: Health and Wellbeing Training Menu (cypsomersethealth.org).

Last reviewed: October 17, 2025 by Jennifer

Next review due: April 17, 2026

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