STORM Skills Training

Introduction

Skills Training On Risk Management, better known as STORM, is a self-harm mitigation model developed at the University of Manchester. It offers skills based training in risk assessment and safety planning to frontline staff and members of the community. STORM also addresses ‘postvention’ i.e. what to do after a serious incident has occurred.

STORM is available throughout the UK, Europe and Australia. The model is used in schools, prisons, hospitals and in any situation where suicide prevention and self-harm mitigation can occur. Adapted versions of STORM are available for specific populations e.g. individuals with learning difficulties.

STORM Skills Training is a community interest company (CIC), meaning any profits go towards community engagement work.

Background to STORM

It was recognised that often even medical professionals only had a theoretical understanding of self-harm mitigation.

With this in mind, a skills based model of training was developed that allows participants to safely rehearse and practise skills in a number of different situations, for example video feedback.

This was initially a funded research exercise which is now sustained by organisations purchasing the training or a license to carry out their own training.

Training packages can be arranged to suit large organisations through a ‘train the trainer’ model, to smaller organisations and teams and to individuals. Ongoing advice and consultation can be provided, and refresher training is also offered.

STORM Courses

Launched in May 2018, Version 4 of STORM offers four courses:

• Skills Training in Suicide Prevention (Adults).
• Skills Training in Suicide Prevention (Children and Young Adults).
• Skills Training in Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Mitigation (Adults).
• Skills Training in Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Mitigation (Children and Young Adults).

STORM Modules

There are extra modules that can be added to the above courses:

• Skills Training in Postvention; and
• Skills Training in Mental Health (since 2019).

STORM Levels

Since May 2018, each course has 4 levels to choose from:

• Basic;
• Level 1;
• Level 2; and
• Level 3.