The Suicide Prevention Pocket Guidebook: How to Support Someone Who is Having Suicidal Feelings

Description

Understandably, we may feel extremely cautious about how to approach or talk to someone who is having suicidal thoughts; we may be worried about saying or doing the 'wrong thing' - and this often creates a barrier to helping. In this pocket guidebook, Joy Hibbins, founder of the charity Suicide Crisis, shares her invaluable experience of helping people through suicidal crisis. Using the charity's groundbreaking approach, Joy helps you gain the practical skills, knowledge and confidence you need to support friends, work colleagues or family members during a time of crisis. This book will show you how to: - Understand the complexity of suicidal feelings and what may lead to a crisis - Be aware of factors that can increase someone's risk of suicide - Directly ask someone about suicidal thoughts - Build empathy and a strong connection with the individual in crisis - Learn strategies to support someone and help them survive The fact that you care, and you want to help, can make such a difference to someone who is in need of support.

Joy Hibbins is the founder and chief executive of charity Suicide Crisis. Their crisis centre has attracted national and international interest because of its zero-suicide achievement: there has never been a suicide of a client under their care. Joy has given evidence about their work to a UK parliamentary select committee, and their work has fed into the Ministry of Health's new suicide prevention strategy in New Zealand. Joy has personal experience of suicide crisis, which prompted her to open the centre in 2012. In 2019 she received the British Empire Medal for services to vulnerable people in the Queen's New Year Honours List. She is regularly asked to comment on issues relating to suicide and suicide prevention in the national press, including appearances on the BBC and Sky News and articles in theGuardian and theTelegraph. Joy currently resides in Gloucestershire.

'The generosity of Joy's knowledge and wisdom is so apparent and the gentle way in which it is shared ensures that no-one who reads this book will ever need to feel that they don't know what to do when their loved one or friend is needing support for suicidal thoughts. Joy captures answers to all of the questions most people probably don't even know they have, and there is an abundance of learning here that is readily and easily usable for both family, friends, colleagues or professionals working with people experiencing distress. Her respect and compassion for people in suicidal crisis is most telling. A fantastic contribution to international suicide prevention resources' -- Sonja Eriksen, Trauma and Suicide Prevention Specialist, New Zealand 'The Suicide Prevention Pocket Guidebook provides a helpful overview of risk factors and warning signs, and crucially what all of us can do to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. It is a welcome addition to the resources that are available to raise awareness of the impact of suicide and how it can be prevented' -- Philippa Lowe, Chair, Rethink Mental Illness 'Joy's work has become my go-to place for sound ideas, wisdom and practical guidance on suicide prevention' -- Professor David Mosse, The Alliance of Suicide Prevention Charities and Leadership Team, Support After Suicide Partnership 'I regularly hear from carers, friends and family that they feel ill-equipped to support their loved ones in their times of need and this book will fill this important gap by offering skills and understanding that can be applied widely' -- Dr Deborah Dover, Deputy Medical Director, Consultant Psychiatrist and Suicide Prevention Lead at Barnet, Enfield and Haringey (London) Mental Health NHS Trust