About CHWB Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Trainings
These trainings are for UVM students, staff, and faculty
Time
- Trainings are 1.5 hours
Location
- Trainings are held at The Rest Stop Studio on the first floor of the Davis Center
For larger groups, locations can be decided upon based on what is most suitable for the audience size
These trainings are for UVM students, staff, and faculty
Learning Objectives
Initiate and navigate conversations about mental health
Use the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention framework to engage in compassionate, effective conversations with someone who may be in crisis.
Cultivate active listening skills that convey empathy and build trust
Connect individuals to appropriate campus and
community resourcesMap out self-care strategies to sustain your wellbeing while supporting others.
Schedule a Training
To schedule a training or talk more about the needs of your organization please fill out an interest form.
What is suicide prevention?
At its core, suicide prevention is about showing up with empathy, presence, and care. Whether through advice, encouragement, or simply listening without judgment, these actions remind people that they are valued and capable of creating a life they’re proud of.
Suicide prevention is an active effort to improve a person’s quality of life in ways that align with their own goals and values. It involves supporting individuals as they navigate lifestyle choices, transitions, milestones, relationships, and anything else they consider meaningful. Prevention is not limited to moments of crisis or the work of professionals. It can happen at the individual, family, and community level.
Your role in preventing suicide
Something as natural as a compassionate conversation can be lifesaving. Research shows that openly talking about suicide with someone in crisis can lower the risk of escalation. The most effective approach is to listen attentively, remain non-judgmental, and respond with care. Unfortunately, many cries for help go unheard because others feel fearful or unsure of what to say. Breaking the silence, starting difficult conversations, and responding with empathy are all powerful forms of prevention. Offering hope, belonging, and opportunities for connection helps people feel seen, supported, and valued, often through the simple bonds of friendship.
Being in community
You may one day be the first point of contact for someone in need. Training programs such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) provide valuable tools to respond effectively in these moments.
Prevention also involves strengthening protective factors that foster resilience and wellbeing. This may include joining community groups tied to one’s identity, such as LGBTQ+ organizations, faith communities, or cultural programs, or finding support in a safe and inclusive school environment. Above all, building accessible, affirming communities where all people feel they belong is a crucial part of suicide prevention.
QPR FAQ
Do you need a background in psychology or counseling to use QPR?
No. Anyone can learn and use QPR in their daily life, much like anyone can learn and use CPR. There is no necessary paperwork or enrollment to begin practicing the skills listed in the program.
How prevalent is suicide?
Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, with an average rate of 800,000 people a year dying by suicide.
What if I don’t feel comfortable asking someone about their suicidal thoughts?
It is important to be as courageous as possible in situations such as crisis interventions, as your temporary discomfort can mean saving someone else from potential harm. If this is not a possibility yet, it is advisable that you direct anyone you are concerned about to a person who is better suited to handle said discussion. Any guidance is helpful and critical.
What if I am unsure if someone is suicidal or not?
If you are ever unsure, it is still worth discussing the matter with the person in question. Any potential cause for concern, no matter the degree of severity, is a good reason to open some dialogue/extend support. Never hesitate to ask!
What does QPR even stand for? What do the parts mean?
QPR refers to the methodology of prevention as well as the name of the institute that devised it. QPR is an acronym for Question, Persuade, and Refer. Questioning in this context means asking for clarification of any distress signal, concerning behavior, remarks, patterns, appearances from another person. Persuading means to, in any appropriate fashion, extend hope to the individual and encourage them to begin seeking resolutions to these issues they divulge. Referrals are a natural next step, as many people need to go into counseling to manage the concerning moods/behaviors.
Will talking about suicide with someone make them start to consider it as an option?
No. This is a common myth that hinders many people, but the research shows that open discussions surrounding suicide lessens the chance that someone who is suicidal will commit. Additionally, if the person is not already suicidal, talking about suicide will not change them into becoming suicidal.
How long will this training take?
QPR training is typically 90-120 minutes long.
Who should learn QPR?
It is important that as many people as possible learn and use QPR. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Americans aged 15–24-year-olds, so equipping as many citizens as possible with the knowledge found in QPR methodology is imperative for reducing the risk for a highly preventable cause of death.
What are the learning goals for QPR training?
QPR training has three minimum learning goals. These are:
Being able or more comfortable to recognize someone at risk for suicide.
Demonstrate increased knowledge of training skills, such as communication methods.
Describe knowledge of referral resources & how to refer someone for help.
24/7 Mental Health Support
UVM Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS)
- Call (802) 656-3340 to reach CAPS or an on-call counselor outside of normal business hours. Counselors on call are always available to respond to students in crisis, and consult with friends, roommates, faculty, staff, or family members.
- All appointments can be scheduled online: MyWellbeing
Sexual and Relationship Violence Support
- HopeWorks Sexual and Relationship Violence Support: 802-863-1236
Crisis Support
- Local (First Call) Suicide and Crisis Mental Health Line: 802-488-7777
- National Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988
- Immediate danger: 911