Wave 4 Suicide Prevention – Learning Reflections & Moving Forward

By Helen Birch (Training & Education Officer)

What is Wave 4?
The Wave 4 Suicide Prevention Programme was funded by NHS England to reduce suicide rates and improve mental health and well-being and was governed by the Public Health teams of Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. The local programme identified four priority areas to maximise the impact of the Wave 4 funding: Training; Communications and Public Awareness; Real-Time Surveillance (RTS) Data System; and Prevention Support for Higher-Risk Groups.

Evaluation of the programme (which primarily took place between March and August 2024) was commissioned to assess Wave 4’s reach, effectiveness and impact, while capturing key learnings to shape future suicide prevention efforts. The findings will inform system-wide priorities, ensuring a sustainable and impactful approach to suicide prevention beyond the current funding period.

How was Harmless involved?
As the centre of excellence for self harm and suicide prevention, Harmless was commissioned to develop and deliver bespoke training sessions to respond to specific needs, including Boys and Men, LGBTQIA+, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller, Relationship Breakdown, Suicide Bereavement Training for Services, and Children & Young People.

With stakeholders, we co-produced tailored content to address barriers like language and trust. This was not without challenges, including mobilisation delays as we sought to ensure appropriate responsiveness to diverse audience needs, which required adaptive approaches. We delivered sessions online, which again presented challenges, which were overcome through our in-house expertise and adaptive style, and by utilising small discussion groups, audio-visuals and varied formats.

All these represented considerable investments of time and energy, and Harmless continues to work on building consistent relationships with communities that are often underserved and high-risk. We recognise that the trust to do so has to be earnt and cannot be gained overnight.

What did our delegates gain?
We are proud to have already seen the significant positive impacts of our suicide prevention training, with delegates reporting increased confidence, awareness and practical skills. Many delegates also specifically noted greater confidence in discussing sensitive topics such as suicidal ideation and self harm, and overcoming fears of triggering negative reactions. Enhanced awareness of risk factors and signs (particularly in specific populations like males, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities) were also frequently cited.

Furthermore, delegates highlighted improved understanding of how to approach conversations effectively and collaboratively, including using tools such as safety plans. We also heard how the training has informed advocacy efforts and improved abilities to signpost to appropriate resources. Additionally, training helped to open eyes to previously unconsidered cultural or contextual factors.

How did we facilitate sessions?
The project evaluation praised Harmless’ Training and Educational Officers highly for their collective knowledge, engagement and authenticity. Sharing personal lived experiences to increase the training’s impact and relatability, the team was described as empathetic, respectful and sensitive in handling a challenging subject – which is exactly what we always strive for.

The inclusion of lived experiences helps to humanise content and reduce stigma, which is an essential step for prevention. Our delegates highlighted the balance between professionalism and human connection as well as noting that real-life examples added depth.

‘Highly relevant topic and delivery was exceptionally high quality – professional yet human, which is rare to achieve’ – Evaluation Report

We are very proud of this assessment as it brings together everything we strive for in each session we deliver.

‘Evaluators who attended training sessions for observational purposes affirmed the quality of delivery, highlighting its practical relevance, sensitivity, and engaging format; noting that the session outperformed comparable national offerings, showcasing the training’s strength in meeting local needs through bespoke and co-produced content’ – Evaluation Report

What have we learnt and how are we using that knowledge?
Harmless is already utilising some of its learning from the Wave 4 programme to inform a full review of its current Academy training content and activities. Incorporating feedback, current best practice, research and voices with lived experience, we try not just to listen, but to really hear what our delegates are telling us in their responses to our work.

It is an exciting time to be part of the Harmless team as we strive to remain at the forefront of our field by consistently employing a cycle of learning, reflection and growth to drive standards ever higher.


For further information on all our training options, including bespoke courses, free courses and E-Learning, please visit www.harmless.org.uk/training/