Managing challenging conversations

This resource is designed to help staff initiate a supportive conversation with a pupil or colleague who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, and to facilitate their access to appropriate support.  

The resource provides information and guidance to help staff understand the risk factors for suicide and how to prepare for a challenging and supportive conversation. 

 It also outlines several step-by-step processes for supporting pupils and colleagues, as well as how and when to seek further support. 

Using this resource

This resource is designed for: 

• use by mental health leads working with students aged 11 to 19. 

• use by staff working in secondary schools, colleges (sixth form and FE) and special schools. 

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes: 

• Create a plan to develop, implement and sustain a whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing, tailored to their setting’s needs. 

• Facilitate development of school staff, identifying critical training and ensuring that all staff can recognise and understand the process to respond to mental health concerns.