We can make mental health support the new normal
( LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER )
Mental health affects everyone. We may have our own journey with mental health, or friends, family or colleagues affected by it. It’s difficult to feel like there’s nothing you can do. But there are ways that we can be better equipped to support ourselves and those around us.
Get trained
Explore The New Normal Charity's essential training programmes, including Suicide Prevention and Peer Support Facilitation Training. Equip yourself to make a difference and support others.
( TRAINING )
Gain confidence in understanding the signs of suicide
( SUICIDE FIRST AID TRAINING, SFA )
One of the biggest difficulties is recognising when someone may require mental health support, especially in a culture uncomfortable with open conversations regarding mental health.
All Suicide First Aid courses give learners the knowledge and tools to understand that suicide is one of the most preventable deaths. This includes recognising warning signs, having difficult conversations, and knowing when to seek professional help. The Suicide First Aid programmes are globally assured.
SFA is offered in:
Lite
Understanding Suicide Intervention
Young Adults
Children and Young People
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Suicide First Aid is based on exceptional evidence, and independent evaluations describe it as the Gold Standard in Suicide Prevention Training.
It has been accredited by City & Guilds Institute and The National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training from 2013 to date.
SFA is Gold Standard training because uniquely:
It is externally moderated, accredited, and Assured by City & Guilds
It is evidence-based
It is developed and provided exclusively by a small cohort of Associate Trainers on a not-for-profit basis
Although it is UK developed, it is adapted and culturally aware for international audiences
It is supported by one of the oldest, most widely recognised, and respected international awarding bodies in the world
SFA gives learners the tools and knowledge they need to understand suicide is one of the most preventable deaths and that simple skills are all that is required to help someone with thoughts of suicide stay safe from their thoughts and stay alive. SFA: Suicide First Aid saves lives for tomorrow.
Two independent evaluations in 2016 and 2017 by Dr Paul Rogers demonstrated significant statistical change in 14 of 19 measures. Increased confidence and reduced anxiety in dealing with suicide were among the leading outcomes. Learn more about SFA here.
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The course is taught using tutor-facilitated learning, tutor-led practise sessions, mini lectures, group work and audio-visual presentations. This has some interactive elements and is an emotionally engaging learning experience.
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No previous experience or training is necessary.
Participants will be asked to self- reflect and empathise with a person having thoughts of suicide. There is no expectation on participants to share personal experiences.
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Everyone!
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn the theory and skills to feel confident in suicide prevention.
Since its creation, this training solution has met the learning needs of multiple groups, from police and other first responders to religious groups, veteran support providers, domestic abuse practitioners, community helpers, and healthcare practitioners, including primary and secondary care, in addition to housing, social care, security officers, armed forces, the education sector, accredited counsellors and more…
After SFA training…
“This was a great course that was detailed enough to be skilful without being too heavy on information and statistics.
The tutor was obviously knowledgeable, was well prepared, had answers for every question but also encouraged us to discuss our own opinions and took on board our personal experiences.
I have completed longer Mental Health First Aid, Assist, etc, previously, but I felt more confident leaving this course than them. I actually had to use the skills that night and was able to confidently handle the situation as a result..”
“What an excellent workshop, I feel so much more empowered and informed and that allows me to feel more hopeful around the subject of suicide.
Rather than feeling very bleak and despairing over what can be quite a heavy topic, I feel like there are options. I would wish for everyone to attend a workshop like this.”
“Effective and empowering - making suicide intervention achievable for the ordinary person”
“They have given me the vocabulary and space to feel that I can share about my grief with or without sadness, without judgement (by myself or others) and with the comfort of knowing I'm not alone.”
Learn how to support others with your own lived experience
( PEER SUPPORT FACILITATOR TRAINING )
We regularly hold professionally supported training for new peer support group facilitators. We empower individuals with lived experience to provide support to their community, training over thirty-two support group facilitators per year.
One facilitator can provide free peer support groups for more than eighty people per year. Whether you would like to join us as a volunteer or you would like to start your own peer support group in your community we are here to help.
Training is provided in Cantonese or English.
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Peer support involves offering help and empathy to individuals experiencing challenges, in a group setting, based on your own lived experiences. It's about creating a supportive space where people feel heard and understood without judgement.
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No, previous professional training is not required to become a peer support group facilitator. Your personal lived experience is invaluable. We will provide all the necessary training to ensure you are equipped to support others effectively.
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To begin, you can contact us through on our website. We will then share details about upcoming training.
Volunteer with us
The New Normal Charity isn’t possible without the time, support and effort of individuals like yourselves. If you would like to contribute or support us in other ways, let us know! Check out our volunteer page for more roles and opportunities.
“Hugely meaningful to be witnessed and witness others in moments of vulnerability with acceptance and presence.”
Attendee and Host
Contact us
There are many other ways you can support mental health in HK
FAQs
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Peer support involves offering help and empathy to individuals experiencing challenges, in a group setting, based on your own lived experiences. It's about creating a supportive space where people feel heard and understood without judgement.
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No, previous professional training is not required to become a peer support group facilitator. Your personal lived experience is invaluable. We will provide all the necessary training to ensure you are equipped to support others effectively.
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To begin, you can contact us through on our website. We will then share details about upcoming training.
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Yes, we offer specialised training in suicide prevention. This includes recognising warning signs, having difficult conversations, and knowing when to seek professional help. It is globally assured.
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The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to fit your schedule. Depending on your availability, you can choose to volunteer a few hours or become more regularly involved.
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It's important to prioritise your own mental health. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you should take a break from your role. We provide ongoing support and supervision for all volunteers, ensuring you have someone to talk to if needed.
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Yes, you can express preferences regarding the type of group you feel comfortable hosting.
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You are not expected to handle every situation alone. You will have access to support from our team, and we encourage you to reach out whenever you encounter challenges.
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Yes, in addition to basic training, we offer advanced training workshops on topics such as trauma, grief, neurodiversity and further crisis intervention. This allows you to expand your skills and provide even better support.
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You can visit our website or contact us directly on hello@thenewnormalcharityhk.org or WhatsApp +852 5223 4002