City of Wolverhampton Council housing staff have taken part in specialist training to help them feel more confident and skilled when supporting people who may be experiencing distress, trauma or suicidal thoughts.
The training was delivered this week to around 30 members of the Homelessness Service, Temporary Accommodation Service, and Private Sector Housing Team by the Midlands-based charity the Violet Project, with support from the council and the city’s Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum. Sessions focused on helping staff deepen their understanding of suicide, challenge common myths and stigma, and recognise both the obvious and more hidden warning signs that someone may be struggling.
The training also emphasised the importance of using sensitive and appropriate language, understanding the wider impact suicide has on individuals and communities, and knowing where to find timely support and practical resources, enabling staff to quickly connect people to life‑saving help and local services when needed. Councillor Steve Evans, the council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "People experiencing homelessness or housing instability are at increased risk of crisis, distress and social isolation, all of which can heighten vulnerability to suicide.
“Our housing staff regularly support people with complex and overlapping challenges. This training is vital in giving them the skills and confidence to recognise risk early, have compassionate conversations, and respond appropriately when someone may be at risk of suicide.” Cllr. Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Every suicide is a tragedy.
“Prevention requires a shared commitment across services and communities, and this training is an important step in strengthening our collective response to suicide prevention in Wolverhampton.” Charlie Gibbons, Head of Homelessness and Specialist Support, added: “Our teams work daily with people who may be experiencing significant distress, trauma, or crisis.
“This training supports staff to feel more confident in recognising when someone may be struggling and responding in a calm, compassionate and supportive way. It reinforces that suicide prevention is everyone’s business and helps ensure our service continues to provide safe, responsive and person-centred support.”
As part of Wolverhampton’s wider commitment to suicide prevention, residents and professionals can access support and training through the Wolverhampton Information Network on the council’s website.