Modal title

Ligature Awareness and Management (Cutting)

65 1/2 Day Mental Health Course

---

This course provides essential knowledge and practical skills to recognise, prevent, and safely respond to ligature risks in healthcare and social care settings. It focuses on maintaining safety, reducing harm, and supporting individuals in a calm, person-centred, and trauma-informed manner.

Course Objectives

• Understand what ligature risks are and where they may occur.
• Recognise environmental and behavioural risk factors associated with ligatures.
• Identify common items and situations that may present ligature risks.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment and environmental safety checks.
• Learn how to respond quickly and safely in ligature-related emergencies.
• Develop awareness of safe cutting techniques and appropriate equipment use.
• Understand roles and responsibilities during emergency response situations.
• Learn how to support individuals following an incident in a compassionate manner.
• Understand safeguarding procedures and escalation protocols.
• Maintain professional boundaries, dignity, and respect at all times.
• Develop skills in accurate documentation, reporting, and incident review.
• Understand the importance of teamwork and communication during incidents.
• Promote staff safety, wellbeing, and post-incident support.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for healthcare professionals, support workers, mental health staff, residential care staff, and anyone working in environments where ligature risks may be present.

Course Format

• Duration: 1/2 Day
• Mode: In-person training only
• Assessment: Practical demonstration, scenario-based exercises, and group discussion

Certification

Participants will receive a Ligature Awareness and Management Certificate upon successful completion of the course.
The certification is valid for 1–2 years (in line with organisational policy).

Relevant Legislation and Guidance

• Health and Social Care Act 2008
• Care Act 2014
• Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 (amended 2007)
• Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005
• Human Rights Act 1998
• NICE Guidelines on Self-Harm
• NHS Ligature Risk Reduction Guidance
• CQC Fundamental Standards