The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES) is proud to announce the launch of the Signs of Suicide training pilot, which will make the training module available to teachers, parents, youth workers, and other professionals through August 31, 2027.
“Signs of Suicide is an evidence-based, one-hour online suicide prevention training for adults in elementary, middle and high school settings,” explains Carolina Ferreira, Designated Safeguarding Lead for MHES. “The training helps teachers and staff members learn how to support students who may be at risk, as it is important that all safe adults feel equipped to identify and appropriately handle such situations should they arise.”
The training pilot, which has been funded by the Office of the Deputy Governor, is being managed by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES) as the lead agency spearheading the multi-agency Child and Youth Mental Health Project (CYMHP), with direct support from the Ministry of Education and Training and the Department of Education Services.
“The prevention of youth suicide requires a holistic, multi-faceted, and collaborative effort between health professionals, educators, communities, families and young people themselves” explains Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability. “This work is ongoing, and to be effective it must go beyond awareness and build upon knowledge and skills. Open and compassionate conversations about this difficult topic is the first and most vital step in ensuring that those who need help receive it. The Signs of Suicide training empowers all staff to more readily take this step. I know that this pilot will make a positive contribution to our community, and I want to thank Deputy Governor McField-Nixon for the funding support that got this across the finish line.”
Ms. Heather Bodden, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Development, Education & Training, Tourism, added: “Teachers and school staff are often among the first to notice when a student is struggling.The Ministry of Education and Training and the Department of Education Services are proud to support this programme and I
encourage all school staff to sign up. One hour of training could make a lasting difference in the lives of our children and young people.”
The CYMHP, which was established in 2025, brings together key stakeholders – including multiple Ministries, departments and SAGCs, the Alex Panton Foundation, the Mental Health Commission, and the UK Health Security Agency – in an effort to coordinate a national response to the critically important issue of suicide prevention.
The Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Tamara Ebanks added: “The Ministry continues to deliver impactful programmes that support, equip and educate those in trusted positions to keep children and young people across our Islands safe. We look forward to monitoring the uptake of the training and assessing the next steps.”
Reflecting on the significance of the pilot and its potential to broaden access to suicide prevention and mental health support training, Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Felicia McLean welcomed its launch:
“I am very happy to see the launch of this pilot come to fruition,” adds Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs Felicia McLean. “We strongly believe that a one-hour, online, evidence-based training will be accessible to most, if not all, professionals and concerned adults. We are also hoping that this training will spark greater interest in knowledge and skills development in both suicide prevention and mental health support, leading more people to seek out in-depth, holistic training opportunities such as the Mental Health First Aid training.”
In the coming week, public and private schools will receive information on how the training can be accessed by their staff. Parents and members of the public who are not affiliated with a school and who wish to access the training can contact the MHES Designated Safeguarding Lead directly on carolina.ferreira@gov.ky or follow official social media channels for information on how to access the training.