Aims
Competences covered in this unit:
Ability to draw on knowledge of the factors that contribute to and increase the risk of self-harm, self-neglect and harm to others.
Ability to recognise and respond to expressions of distress and self-harm, and to acknowledge and discuss these feelings with the person in an open and non-judgemental way.
Where there is evidence that a person may present a significant risk of harm to themselves or others, an ability to respond to this in a timely manner by:
- drawing on knowledge of local policies and procedures for responding to risk, maintaining safety and safeguarding (specifically, the risk of harm to self or risk to others)
- determining whether there are any immediately applicable strategies that may be helpful
- discussing, explaining and agreeing on the next steps with the person
Ability to judge when it is in the best interests of the person to disclose information, holding in mind:
- that disclosure is appropriate if it prevents serious harm to a person
- the immediacy of any risk (for example, where there is clear evidence of suicidal intent, such as a plan)
Ability to draw on knowledge that it is appropriate to breach confidentiality when withholding information could place a person at risk of significant harm.
Underpinning understanding and knowledge for peer support workers
Communication and engagement skills
Working in partnership. Supporting people as a peer support worker
Self-care and support
Optional skills – using psychological approaches to support personal recovery