Self Harm & Ligatures
Self harm and ligatures training helps your team support people at risk of self-harm and suicide, and understand the legal framework for that support. They learn to respond safely, lawfully and compassionately to a ligature. Delivered on-site by our experienced trainers.
About the course
Support people at risk of self-harm and respond safely to a ligature
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Describe the scale of self-harm and suicide in the UK
- Use language that does not stigmatise or deter help
- Outline the law on care, capacity and restraint
- Know what is, and is not, reportable under RIDDOR
- Explain the limits of confidentiality
- Recognise self-harm and the functions it serves
- Apply NICE guidance, including what it advises against
- Respond to self-harm without judgement, and escalate
- Recognise warning signs and ask about suicide directly
- Support a safety plan that is held by the person
- Identify ligature risks — materials as well as points
- Respond safely and lawfully to a ligature in situ
- Deliver first aid to current RCUK standards
- Record, report, and support yourself and colleagues
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
Understanding Distress, Self-Harm and Suicide
- Why this training matters
- The words we use
- What shapes mental distress
- Groups at heightened risk
The Legal and Regulatory Framework
- Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)
- What Is Changing: the Mental Health Act 2025
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Care Act, Equality Act and Regulation
- RIDDOR and CQC notification
- Confidentiality and sharing information
Self-Harm: Understanding and Recognition
- What self-harm is
- Why people self-harm
- Recognising the signs
- What NICE says you must not do
Responding to Self-Harm
- If you suspect someone is self-harming
- If You Discover Someone in the Act
- Having the conversation
- Harm minimisation
- When emergency medical help is needed
- Escalation and referral
Suicide: Recognition and Response
- Understanding suicide
- Warning signs
- Asking directly
- What does not help
- Urgent situations
- Safety planning
- Reducing access to means
- Crisis contacts
Ligatures: Prevention and Response
- The scale of the risk
- Ligature points and environmental risk
- Ligature cutters
- Responding to a ligature in situ
- After the ligature is removed
- Equipment, evidence and records
Emergency First Aid
- Severe and catastrophic bleeding
- The unresponsive person and CPR
- Using a defibrillator
Records, Reporting and Aftercare
- Recording what happened
- Reporting and notification
- After a death: postvention
- Looking after yourself and your colleagues
Keep exploring
Related children’s services courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team.
How long is the Self Harm & Ligatures course?
It runs as a full day – 6 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 15 delegates per session.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. Certificates are valid for 1 year, so plan refresher training before they expire.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits schools & nurseries, childminders, children’s homes, sports & activity clubs, care settings. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Self Harm & Ligatures training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our children’s services training range. Also explore behaviour management training and mental health training.