Suicide prevention and mental health training courses are now available for professionals and volunteers in Oxfordshire who work with the public.

Oxfordshire Mind, commissioned by the county council, will deliver the free training to those most frequently in contact with vulnerable individuals.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for public health, inequalities, and community safety, said: "I hope that the training helps us to better support those facing mental health crises in the county and help us to build a more resilient and compassionate society for all."

The sessions will provide the knowledge and skills needed to support people in crisis, primarily working with small organisations that cannot fund mental health and suicide prevention training.

Oxfordshire Mind, in collaboration with the council's public health team, has prioritised groups shown to face significant inequalities.

Marcus Hills, programme manager at Oxfordshire Mind, said: "We are excited to collaborate with Oxfordshire County Council with the launch of these training courses.

"This marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to improve mental health support in Oxfordshire.

"By equipping professionals and volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are ensuring that those in crisis receive the compassionate and effective help they need."

The five-course programme covers mental health awareness, suicide first aid, youth mental health first aid, youth mental health first aid champion training, and suicide prevention training.