Gatekeeper Training Course for Suicide Prevention
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 1,70,746 people died by suicide in India in 2024, with the suicide rate reaching its highest level in the past decade. For every death by suicide, several more people are estimated to attempt suicide. These figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen suicide prevention efforts within communities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends ‘Gatekeeper Training’ as an evidence- and community-based approach to suicide prevention.
A Gatekeeper is someone who:
- raises awareness and reduces stigma around suicide
- provides initial emotional support to a person in distress
- connects individuals at risk to appropriate support services
The Gatekeeper Training Course for Suicide Prevention, developed by the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, is based on WHO’s mhGAP (Mental Health Gap Action Programme) Intervention Guide for Self-harm/Suicide. It has been adapted by SPIRIT (Suicide Prevention & Implementation Research Initiative) specifically for community gatekeepers.
This is an ONLINE course and the medium of instruction is English.
Please note: This course equips participants to provide informal suicide prevention support within their communities. It does not qualify participants to provide clinical, diagnostic, counselling, or psychotherapy services. This course discusses suicide, self-harm, and psychological distress. We encourage applicants to consider their current emotional wellbeing before enrolling.
Why take this course?
- Learn a WHO-recommended approach to suicide prevention
- Develop practical skills to support someone thinking of suicide
- Practice conversations through role plays and case discussions
- Learn from experienced suicide prevention practitioners
- Receive a Certificate of Completion from the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for any persons aged 18 years or older and interested in suicide prevention, especially those who regularly engage with people within their communities.
Individuals in different roles such as teachers, media professionals, religious leaders, peers, caregivers or anyone who is motivated to provide suicide prevention support can apply for this course.
Please note: While the course is not restricted to only Indian residents, the content is relatable and relevant for participants from low-and-middle- income countries with similar contexts as India.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand concepts, myths and facts related to suicide prevention
- Understand the role of Gatekeepers
- Identify, assess, support, refer, and follow up with persons thinking of suicide
- Practice self-care techniques while supporting persons thinking of suicide
Course Structure
Schedule
The course comprises 20 hours of live online learning delivered over five weekends.
Classes will be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 AM to 1 PM IST.
After 2 weeks, a 2-hour group check-in session will be scheduled to understand participants’ experiences in applying the skills learnt during the course, and address any questions or challenges they may have faced.
| Particulars | Dates | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 & 2 | 12 & 13 September 2026 | Saturday & Sunday | 10 AM – 1 PM |
| Day 3 & 4 | 19 & 20 September 2026 | Saturday & Sunday | 10 AM – 1 PM |
| Day 5 & 6 | 26 & 27 September 2026 | Saturday & Sunday | 10 AM – 1 PM |
| Day 7 | 3 October 2026 | Saturday | 10 AM – 1 PM |
| Group check-in | 17 October 2026 | Saturday | 10 AM – 12 PM |
Teaching Methods
- Interactive online lectures
- Case discussions
- Role plays and skills practice
- Guided reflections
- Additional reading material and summary sheets
Course Modules
Participants who successfully complete the course with 100% attendance will receive a certificate of completion.
| MODULES | TOPICS COVERED |
|---|---|
| Module 1: Introduction to Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention |
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| Module 2: Introduction to Mental Health Problems |
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| Module 3: Introduction to Suicide |
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| Module 4: Essential Communication Skills |
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| Module 5: Assessing Risk of Suicide |
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| Module 6: Supporting persons at risk of suicide |
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| Module 7: Referrals & follow-up |
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| Module 8: Self-care techniques |
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Certification
Participants who successfully complete the course and meet the attendance requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Application & Fee
Applications are reviewed by the course team.
Each batch is limited to 15 participants to support interactive learning and skills practice.
Selected applicants will receive further instructions regarding registration and payment.
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
| Last date to apply | 23 August 2026 |
| Selection confirmation | 31 August 2026 |
| Course begins | 12 September 2026 |
Fee
INR 5000 + 18% GST (INR 5900/-)
Limited fee waivers are available for applicants demonstrating genuine financial need. Applicants wishing to be considered should indicate this in the application form and specify the amount of fee waiver requested. Fee waivers are awarded on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed.
