Join Friends, Families and Travellers this Suicide Prevention Month for a 3-hour training session exploring suicide prevention and self-harm
It is known that Gypsy and Traveller people are three times more likely to experience anxiety and twice as likely to experience depression than the general population. According to an all-Ireland report, Irish Traveller men were almost seven times more likely to die by suicide, while Irish Traveller women were six times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.
A report published by GATE Herts in 2020 revealed the ‘ripple effect’ that experiences of hate crime can have on mental health. Participants described the devastating impact of persistent hate crime and hate speech, and how these experiences can increase the risk of suicide.
This webinar will equip professionals with the tools needed to recognise and respond to suicide risk within Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Understanding the specific barriers and experiences faced by Gypsy and Traveller people can help professionals recognise when someone may be struggling, respond appropriately in a crisis, and reduce barriers to accessing support.
This session will explore the inequalities and barriers that can affect mental health and access to support, while providing practical guidance on recognising the warning signs of suicide, responding to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, and improving engagement with support services.
The training will provide:
- An introduction to Gypsy and Traveller communities and the inequalities affecting mental health.
- Understand suicide and self-harm, including barriers to support and access.
- Learn about key risk factors and wider influences on mental health
- Recognising warning signs and how to respond to someone in crisis.
- Work through real-life case studies and practical scenarios
- Learn about crisis intervention, safety planning and signposting
- Consider culturally appropriate and trauma-informed approaches to support
- Explore practical recommendations for improving access and engagement with services
- Opportunities for discussion, reflection and Q&A
Through real-life case studies and evidence-based guidance, you'll get a real sense of the lived realities of Gypsy and Traveller people, which will help you gain the knowledge and confidence to better support those experiencing mental health difficulties.