There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a level 1 introductory qualification in healthcare, social care or childcare.
Start date:
Jun 2026
Course Overview
The Level 2 Award in Suicide Awareness provides an essential introduction to understanding the scale and context of suicide in the UK, the stigma surrounding it, and the key risk factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The qualification emphasises the important message that suicide is preventable and builds learners’ awareness of how difficult circumstances can affect mood, thinking and behaviour.
Through this course, you will explore how challenging situations can lead to negative thoughts and feelings, how suicidal thoughts may develop, and how to recognise when someone may be at risk. It offers valuable knowledge for anyone wanting to better understand suicide awareness in personal or professional contexts.
This course is suitable for individuals who: – Want to develop a basic understanding of suicide risk and prevention – Work or volunteer in roles where supporting others may be required – Wish to build confidence in recognising when someone may be struggling – Are interested in expanding their knowledge as part of wider personal or professional development
If you want to increase your awareness of suicidal risk factors and understand how difficult circumstances can impact wellbeing, this qualification offers a clear and accessible starting point.
If you or someone you know is currently in crisis, please contact local emergency services or a helpline such as Samaritans (116 123 in the UK) for immediate support.
What will I learn?
The course aims to: • Provide learners with knowledge of tolerance levels and coping strategies, and of positive and solutions-focused responses • Focus on the study of suicide risks and triggers • Offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge and understanding.
The objectives of this qualification are to help learners understand: • the context of suicide • the impact of stressful situations on an individual • how individuals cope differently with stressful situations • the possible effects of stressful situations on an individual’s wellbeing • how an individual’s outlook might impact their susceptibility to suicidal thoughts • the importance of talking about suicide, suicidal thoughts and seeking support.
How is the course delivered?
Learners attend weekly sessions and engage in learning activities to support the learning outcomes. Progressing each week, learning will be structured towards completing both individual and group activities to increase knowledge and understanding which will be assessed using a range of methods. Further support and learning can be accessed through MS Teams, which will support the length of the course with activities, resources and further reading links.
How will my learning be assessed?
• Regular submission of work that will be assessed and reviewed weekly. • Learners will receive feedback in order to further develop their knowledge • Learners will assess their knowledge at the start of the course and again at the end against the learning outcomes. This allows them to identify how much they have learnt and where they might need to do further study or research. • Learners will also be supported to set an individual target(s) for the course based on starting points, personal goals and career aspirations.
Additional Information
lda-hide-empty
Potential Careers
Following completion of this course the following progression option(s) are available: – Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills – Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid/Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace – Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health Problems – Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working with People with Mental Health Needs – Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills – Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
