The concept of gatekeeper training has been around since the early 1970s (Snyder, 1971) and has evolved significantly over those 50 plus years. Although Snyder described gatekeepers as individuals who directed those in need of help and support to the “gates” through which they could access needed services, many have and still interpret the term to mean those who control access. In other words, only trained professionals should determine who is allowed to walk through which gates. Many organizations, including LivingWorks, have always adhered to Snyder’s original definition of the term and have designed their training programs accordingly. To distinguish the latter form of training, the term community helper training has been suggested and will be used throughout this presentation. These programs are clearly grounded in public health approaches to suicide prevention and acknowledge that everyone has a role to play and can learn to do so effectively. There is ample evidence to support these programs are efficacious; program learning outcomes have been shown to be met across wide cross sections of learners in multiple settings and countries around the world (Spafford, Silverman, & Gutierrez, 2024). What is lacking is sufficient evidence that these community helper training programs are effective – that they have a measurable impact on helper behaviors and positive outcomes for people experiencing thoughts of suicide. These data can come from well-designed randomized trials with sufficient follow-up periods to provide helpers with adequate opportunities to use their newly acquired skills.
This presentation will provide examples of the types of study designs that are needed, supported by evidence from independent evaluations of LivingWorks training programs in two state-wide projects in Australia. Appropriate operational definitions of effectiveness outcomes will be introduced along with a technology solution LivingWorks has developed that offers a scalable tool for collection of information about community helper interventions in a safe and secure manner. It will conclude with an explanation of how LivingWorks’ integrated suite of suicide intervention trainings combined with the technology solution can help communities build Networks of Safety in which everyone is safer from suicide and well supported to access the care and help needed to recover from suicide and journey to a life worth living.
Learning Objectives
References
Spafford, S. G., Silverman, M. M., & Gutierrez, P. M. (2024). What is known about suicide prevention gatekeeper training and directions for future research. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior. http://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.13130
Snyder, J. A. (1971). The use of gatekeepers in crisis management. Bulletin of Suicidology, 8, 39-44.