Taxi and private hire licensees across Greater Manchester are being encouraged to complete a short, free online training course that could help them spot the signs someone might be struggling – and even save a life.
The initiative is part of Shining a Light on Suicide, a campaign led by NHS Greater Manchester to break the stigma around suicide and make support easier to access. With more than 200 lives lost to suicide in the region each year, the message is clear: suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
Greater Manchester is home to over 18,500 licensed taxi and private hire drivers, and since launching the training, uptake has continued to grow. With thousands of daily interactions across the region, each one is an opportunity to make a difference.
Small conversations can have a big impact
Taxi and private hire drivers meet people in all sorts of situations, from regular customers to passengers they’ll only see once. These everyday interactions can sometimes be the moments when someone needs support the most.
That’s why licensing services and NHS Greater Manchester are working together to promote a free suicide awareness training course developed specifically for the trade by the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA).
The training takes just 10 minutes, is available online, and includes a certificate of completion. It helps drivers learn how to:
- Spot warning signs
- Ask supportive, direct questions
- Start a conversation with someone who may be in distress
- Signpost to further support
Take the training here.
Dr Manisha Kumar, chief medical officer, NHS Greater Manchester, said:
“At NHS Greater Manchester, we’re committed to preventing suicide and supporting people’s mental health. A big part of that is working in partnership with others across the city-region, including those outside traditional healthcare roles.
“Taxi and private hire drivers interact with a wide range of people every day in all sorts of circumstances; and this training offers a simple, effective way to help them feel more confident supporting someone who might be struggling. It’s one of many steps we’re taking to make suicide prevention part of everyday life.”
Dr Claire Iveson, consultant clinical psychologist and strategic lead, Zero Suicide Alliance, said:
“We know talking about suicide can be difficult, but we believe that the more people who feel equipped and empowered to talk about suicide, the more chance there is for potentially life-saving conversations to happen.
“We launched our suicide awareness training for taxi and private hire drivers after working with various people including drivers with lived experiences to develop the course, and the feedback has been incredibly positive.
“We’re really pleased that NHS Greater Manchester is promoting this training.”
David Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire and Taxi Association, said:
“Our industry could be considered an extension of the emergency services, as we play a vital role in supporting people, often in difficult situations. We regularly transport individuals of all ages, some of whom may have hidden vulnerabilities, including mental health issues, that only become clear during a conversation.
“For many people, taxi and private hire drivers can be their main form of social contact, which puts us in a unique position to spot any issues and point people towards the right support. We fully welcome this initiative as an extension of the safeguarding training already in place for all drivers. It’s free and shows our support for both the NHS and our communities.”
It’s not just for taxi drivers
While this training has been tailored for taxi and private hire drivers, anyone can take suicide awareness training. The Zero Suicide Alliance also offers general training modules for the public, professionals, and organisations.
Explore the full range of training here.
Find help or give help
If you’re struggling or supporting someone who is, there’s help available:
- Greater Manchester Bereavement Service: Support for anyone bereaved whether by suicide or other causes.
- Hub of Hope: A free app to find local and national mental health support.
- Shining a Light on Suicide: Offers resources and support for individuals affected by suicide.
Together, NHS Greater Manchester and partners hope to make the city-region a safer, more supportive place for everyone.
