Skills Based Training on Risk Management

The University of Manchester originally created the curriculum for skills-based training on risk management (STORM) to help workers in social care and the criminal justice system prevent suicide. STORM covers four components: assessment, crisis management, problem solving and crisis prevention.

Assessment

• STORM training concentrates on the skills necessary for assessing risk of suicide. According to the Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership Trust, a person who is thinking of suicide may experience changes in behavior and thinking, and may appear distressed or depressed.

Crisis Management

• Once the risk of suicide or self-injury has been identified, it is important keep the at-risk person safe. STORM focuses on skills needed to manage the crisis and keep the person from self-harm. Managing the crisis includes defusing emotional distress and providing immediate support.

Problem Solving

• STORM also includes training on problem-solving skills. This part of the training teaches the trainee how to help a suicidal person take control of his problems. Problem solving should allow the person to make choices and generate ideas on his own. The person must feel comfortable with the choices he makes.

Crisis Prevention

• It is important to develop a plan for crisis prevention after the initial threat of suicide has subsided. This will help prepare for intervention in case suicide risk arises again. The at-risk person should be actively engaged in creating the plan.