General

Issues such as suicide and sexuality are hard to talk about as a peer visitor but some persons may also find it difficult to teach this content to future peer visitors.  You might take a few moments to allow learners to share their thoughts about teaching this whole section on difficult issues, which include suicide and sexuality.

In-person

HOW TO SPOT DIFFICULT SITUATIONS AND DEAL WITH THEM

There are no specific concepts to cover in the short section.  Your visitor trainers might take a moment here to brainstorm with their visitor learners about how to pay attention to what is being said and to identify when there are difficult issues.

SUICIDE

Begin by telling future trainers to create a safe and supportive learning environment where peer visitor learners feel comfortable discussing the sensitive topic of suicide. Emphasize the importance of confidentiality, empathy, and non-judgmental attitudes. There is a list of key concepts to cover in the instructor’s notes. I wish it was you, check with the learners to ensure that they are comfortable with teaching and responding to questions about the concepts.

Peer visitor trainers will show a short three-minute video about conversations related to suicide. They may choose to facilitate a discussion with the class about what the future peer visitors learned from the video.  This is followed by true/false questions that may lead to further discussion.  This may be another opportunity for one of the learners to practice, leading a discussion about those questions.

Ask trainers how they would define sexuality to their learners. Address any cultural or religious considerations that may impact sexuality and sexual health.  There is a short list of key concepts to cover in the instructor’s notes, and this will be followed by a series of true/false questions to be answered by the class. If someone has not had a chance to practice leading going through questions and encouraging learners to discuss them, and this is an opportunity to do so.