University of Wolverhampton's lifesaving suicide prevention project presented to experts
A LIFESAVING project offering a helping hand to people battling suicidal thoughts has been presented to health chiefs.
Staff and students from the University of Wolverhampton spoke to an expert panel about their pioneering suicide prevention project 'Three Minutes to Save a Life'.
It came as part of a nationwide review of the wellbeing of NHS workers, which will see a report handed to the Secretary of State for Health in December.
Jordan Bridges, a newly qualified mental health nurse from the university, said: “It was a privilege to represent the university at the panel and discuss how the Three Minutes to Save a Life training has helped me develop my career.
"As a newly qualified nurse, the training has enabled me take the knowledge out into practice and ensure that my colleagues, as well as patients, are looked after by developing a co-produced safety plan that will ensure every individual has the right support, compassion and hope when dealing with life’s stresses.”
The programme, which supports people with mental health difficulties, is dedicated to tackling suicide, self-harming and emotional resilience.
More than 800 staff and students – including security, caretakers and academics – have been trained to recognise early warning signs among at-risk students and how concerns can be escalated.
Clare Dickens, senior lecturer in mental health nursing, was joined by two nursing students when she presented information to the panel on Tuesday.
She said: "What was most rewarding about the experience was to see two of our students flourish in an environment that no doubt provoked anxiety.
"They shared their experiences of studying nursing, the rewards and the challenges as well as how they found their experience of receiving Three Minutes to Save a Life training as part of their curriculum."
Students on nursing and other health care courses now also receive the training as part of their curriculum across Wolverhampton.
Third year Mental Health nursing student Richard Jones, said: “This humbling experience permitted me to express my experiences as a current student nurse. The panel were so warm and accommodating and I felt my voice was heard.
“I genuinely believe that the Three Minutes to Save a Life training is vital in any students’ journey.
"The training has developed my understanding of my own distress and that of others, with a confidence and commitment to do something about it.
"The approach is heavily steeped in scientific and theoretical principles of compassion which has allowed me to go forward with a refreshed confidence.”
Students on nursing and other health care courses now also receive the training as part of their curriculum across Wolverhampton.