Gatekeeper training
What is it?
Gatekeepers are “natural community helpers”, adults whose contact with potentially vulnerable populations provides an opportunity to identify at-risk individuals and direct them to appropriate assessment and treatment. Gatekeepers include clergy, first responders, pharmacists, caregivers for geriatric people, personnel staff, and those employed in institutional settings such as paediatricians, school teachers, police, prison officers and the military. 1 2
The purpose of gatekeeper training is to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills to identify those at risk; to determine the level of risk; to manage the situation; and to make a referral when necessary.
Training typically includes:
- Awareness of risk factors for suicide
- How to identify people at risk
- Case studies of suicidal people
- Reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking
- Information on community health resources and how to refer
- Desirable attitudes towards suicide, including taking suicidal statements seriously, accepting the necessity of breaking confidences on occasions, and recognising the importance of seeking help from a mental health professional.
Does it work?
There is review evidence that a wide range of community helpers showed significant improvement in intervention skills, knowledge, attitudes and referral practice. 2
Systematic evaluations have so far been limited to institutional settings such as the military. Programmes in the Norwegian Army and the US Air force have reported success in lowering suicide rates. 1
How does it work?
It is likely that gatekeeper training works by improving timely access of high-risk individuals to professional help.