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Wardens receive training to offer help and support in a mental health crisis
19/06/2024
The training was provided by Nai’s House which focuses on suicide prevention and holistic support
Cherwell District Council’s community wardens have received training so they are ready to provide help and support to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Community Safety team are regularly seen around the district, aiming to provide help and support to residents and visitors. They work closely with partner agencies, such as Thames Valley Police, to ensure a safe environment for people to live and work in.
Three of the wardens, Trudie Rose, Helen Inskip and Yvonne Jaggs, recently undertook a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training course, provided by Nai’s House in Bicester. This is a mental health charity which focuses on suicide prevention and holistic support.
The training allowed the wardens to learn how to recognise when someone may be thinking of harming themselves and how to provide skilled intervention and develop a safety plan with the person. This can help save someone’s life.
Following the training Trudie said: “I now feel confident and empowered to ask questions and have challenging conversations with individuals about suicide.
“As community wardens, we have experienced some tricky conversations with vulnerable and mentally unwell people, and we have helped where we can but never actually asked the question of whether they are considering taking their own life. This has now changed! These are essential life skills we can take away.”
Tim Hughes, Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety, said: “Mental health is a subject that affects everyone, and it is important to us that people aren’t afraid of challenging the taboo of talking openly about any struggles and reaching out to someone for help.
“Our community wardens are out on the streets daily and are always there to provide a safe space for anyone to reach out for a listening ear. They offer a critical service to our residents and communities across Cherwell.
“I am so proud of the care and compassion Trudie, Helen and Yvonne show whilst carrying out their roles. The dedication they show to residents and visitors across the district is inspiring. This is highlighted through their willingness and eagerness to undertake crucial training to ensure that they have the wellbeing of everyone at the forefront of their minds.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam