Suicide Prevention Community Champions (Worthing)

We are looking for 20 Suicide Prevention Community Champions who live, work or are connected with the Worthing community in West Sussex.

Champions must be available on Saturday 9th May from 9.30 - 2.30pm to attend the Suicide First Aid training at Methold House, Worthing.

Community Champions will:

1. Raise Awareness

• Promote West Sussex Mind’s Staying Well crisis support service within your community

• Share readymade social media posts etc

• Help strengthen community understanding of local mental health support options in Worthing

2. Spot Signs of Struggle

• Apply suicide prevention training to recognise when someone may be distressed or at risk

• Approach conversations with empathy, compassion, and confidence

3. Start Supportive Conversations

• Engage sensitively with people who may be struggling

• Use skills gained through training to listen, reassure, and deescalate

• Encourage individuals to seek appropriate help

4. Signpost to Support

• Direct people to services such as Staying Well, crisis helplines, or other relevant agencies in Worthing

• Know when and how to escalate concerns if someone needs urgent help

5. Help Build a Connected, Supportive Community

• Participate in networking sessions with other Champions

• Share ideas, local insights, and effective approaches

• Contribute to a community culture where talking about suicide is safe, encouraged, and stigma free

Time Commitment

Flexible and voluntary

Champions can contribute as much or as little time as they feel able—whether by having conversations, sharing resources, or helping raise awareness in their workplace, community group, or social networks.

Champions will receive:

• SFA Lite – Suicide First Aid (City & Guilds assured) training, free of charge

• Community networking sessions

• Access to promotional materials, social media assets, and helpful links

• Access to a 24/7 Volunteer Assistance Programme with specialised support

Essential

• Empathy, kindness, and willingness to help others

• Comfortable starting conversations with people from diverse backgrounds

• Commitment to creating safer, more supportive communities

• Willingness to attend training and use the skills provided

Desirable

• Experience working with the public or within community spaces (e.g., barbers, job centres, pubs, charities, LGBTQIA spaces)

• Lived experience of mental health challenges (not needed, but welcomed)

Champions will gain:

• Confidence in having potentially lifesaving conversations

• Practical suicide prevention skills

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community

• Connection with a supportive network

• Personal development and recognised training

If you are interested in the role then please complete our expression of interest form below and a member of the volunteer and/or training team will be in touch.

Support will be available for any technical, language or literary support required

For more information, please email volunteering@westsussexmind.org