AIIMS Nagpur Trains “Gatekeepers” for Suicide Prevention

The World Suicide Prevention Month, was observed at AIIMS Nagpur with the annual “आशांकुर – Gatekeeper Training Programme for Suicide Prevention” for the second consecutive year by Department of Psychiatry under the able guidance of Dr. Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director, AIIMS Nagpur.

There were four workshops conducted over two weeks and trained 80 gatekeepers which included MBBS, B.Sc. Nursing, paramedical students, postgraduate residents, and faculty members. The participants were trained to identify suicide warning signs, listen with empathy, and connect peers to professional help.

Across four interactive workshops, participants engaged in myth-busting discussions, learned to recognize verbal and behavioral cues, explored risk and protective factors, and practiced the 3-Step Gatekeeper Model – Identify, Listen, Refer through roleplay and group activities. Self-care exercises were also included to help future gatekeepers build resilience.

The Faculty and residents of the department of Psychiatry & TeleMANAS Mentoring Unit actively contributed to the conduct of sessions, with their roleplay demonstrations adding a practical, real-life dimension to the training. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting improved confidence to support peers in distress. Pre- and post-test assessments confirmed significant gains in awareness and readiness to act.

With this initiative, AIIMS Nagpur reaffirms its commitment to building a safe and supportive campus, where trained gatekeepers can extend timely help and hope.