Skills-based Training for Gatekeepers: The STORM Project.

In order to promote early identification, assessment and appropriate treatment of persons at risk of suicide, a sustainable training and education programme for gatekeepers is essential. In the mid 1990's, researchers at the University of Manchester developed a skills-based suicide risk assessment and management training package in response to frontline workers lack of basic skills in suicide prevention. Increasing evidence suggested that didactic lecture in pre-qualification courses, the preferred approach to training, was inadequate in skills development. Thus, whilst students had a good theoretical understanding of suicide, they lacked the ‘skills’ needed to conduct appropriate and timely risk assessment and safety planning procedures.The STORM® (Skills-based Training On Risk management) model of training utilises methods that enhance skills through rehearsal, self-reflection and group appraisal; the core skills needed for the assessment of suicide risk and safety planning. Three research studies proved the model of training effective at improving skills, attitudes and confidence. A number of dissemination studies have also shown that the training is useful, relevant and highly valued by participants; key factors in the routinization of an intervention into practice. In 2003, the STORM® Project, a not-for-profit venture within the University of Manchester, was created to disseminate the training. There are over 500 STORM® Facilitators delivering STORM® training to healthcare, social care, education and criminal justice services across the UK, Republic of Ireland and Malta. This workshop aims to demonstrate the value of skills-based training above didactic lecture. Delegates will engage in activities designed to showcase skills development methods.