Ligature incidents present a serious risk in health and social care settings, particularly where individuals may be vulnerable to self-harm, suicide, or severe distress. Understanding how ligature risks arise, how to recognise warning signs, and how to respond safely and effectively is essential for protecting life and promoting safe, compassionate care.
The free Ligature Awareness Training Course equips health and social care staff with the knowledge and confidence to identify ligature risks, prevent incidents, and respond appropriately in high-risk situations, in line with UK legislation, safeguarding principles, and best practice.
Why Take This eLearning Course?
Ligature-related incidents can occur rapidly and with devastating consequences if risks are not recognised and managed effectively. Staff working in environments such as mental health services, supported living, care homes, hospitals, and secure or custodial settings must be able to act promptly, safely, and professionally.
This free course helps learners to:
- Understand what ligatures are and why they present serious risks
- Identify common ligature points and high-risk environments
- Recognise early warning signs of self-harm or suicidal intent
- Carry out effective ligature risk assessments
- Implement preventative strategies to reduce risk
- Respond safely and appropriately to ligature incidents
- Provide post-incident support and documentation
- Meet legal, regulatory, and organisational responsibilities
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define the term ligature and explain its relevance in health and social care
- Identify common ligature risks, items, and environmental hazards
- Recognise behavioural and situational warning signs
- Conduct environmental and individual ligature risk assessments
- Apply practical prevention strategies
- Respond quickly and safely to ligature incidents
- Understand post-incident care, reporting, and review processes
- Work within legal, ethical, and safeguarding frameworks
Ligature Awareness Course Outline
Module 1: Understanding Ligatures and Associated Risks
Learners will be introduced to the term ligature and its relevance within health and social care settings. This module explains what constitutes a ligature, identifies common items and environmental features that may present ligature risks, and highlights high-risk environments such as mental health units, psychiatric wards, and detention settings. Learners will develop an awareness of why effective management of ligature risks is essential for safety.
Module 2: Recognising Warning Signs and Risk Factors
This module focuses on recognising early warning signs linked to self-harm or suicidal intent. Learners will explore behavioural indicators, emotional changes, and situational factors that may increase the likelihood of a ligature attempt. Understanding these warning signs supports early intervention and proactive risk management.
Module 3: Conducting Ligature Risk Assessments
Learners will explore how to identify potential ligature points within care environments. This module outlines the process of conducting environmental risk assessments and explains practical ways to reduce or remove identified risks. Emphasis is placed on creating safer spaces while maintaining dignity and therapeutic environments. A knowledge check supports learning.
Module 4: Implementing Prevention Strategies
This module examines strategies to prevent ligature incidents before they occur. Learners will explore the role of staff training, observation, supervision, and engagement with individuals in reducing risk. The importance of regular environmental audits and ongoing review of safety measures is also covered.
Module 5: Responding to Ligature Incidents
Learners will develop an understanding of how to respond safely and effectively to a ligature incident. This module explains the importance of rapid and coordinated action to minimise harm and preserve life.
Module 6: Providing Post-Incident Support and Reporting
This module focuses on the actions required following a ligature incident. Learners will explore immediate medical and psychological support needs for individuals involved, as well as the importance of accurate documentation, reporting, and reflective practice to support learning and service improvement. A knowledge check is included.
Module 7: Promoting Training and Awareness
Learners will examine the importance of ongoing staff training and awareness in managing ligature risks. This module highlights how collaboration with health and safety professionals, clinical teams, and management strengthens risk management and promotes a culture of safety.
Module 8: Legal and Regulatory Requirements
This module explores the legal and regulatory framework related to ligature risk management. Learners will gain an understanding of relevant legislation, including responsibilities under mental health and safeguarding law, and the duties of care providers in maintaining safe environments.
Module 9: Developing Therapeutic Communication Skills
In the final module, learners will focus on communication skills that support safety and prevention. This includes building trust, using de-escalation techniques during high-risk situations, and ensuring clear and effective team communication to manage risk and support individuals compassionately.
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for:
- Health and social care workers
- Mental health staff
- Support workers and care assistants
- Nurses and healthcare assistants
- Managers and supervisors
- Staff working in secure, custodial, or supported living environments
It is appropriate for mandatory training, safeguarding education, and continuing professional development (CPD).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course suitable for non-clinical staff?
Yes. The course is designed for all staff who may encounter ligature risks, regardless of clinical background.
Does the course include practical guidance?
Yes. The course provides clear, practical steps for prevention, response, and post-incident actions.
Is this course relevant outside mental health settings?
Yes. Ligature risks can occur in a range of health and social care environments.
How long does the course take to complete?
Most learners complete the course in 1 hour, depending on experience.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is issued on successful completion.
Effective ligature awareness saves lives. By understanding risks, recognising early warning signs, and responding appropriately, staff can prevent serious harm while maintaining compassionate, person-centred care.
Enrol on the Ligature Awareness Training Course today
Strengthen safety, confidence, and safeguarding practice in your workplace.
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Ligature Awareness Training Course CPD Accredited and Government Funding
We’re working on getting this Ligature Awareness Training Course CPD accredited, and any course that’s approved will be clearly labelled as CPD accredited on the site. Not every health and social care course has to be accredited to help you meet CQC expectations – what matters is that staff are competent, confident and properly trained for their roles under Regulation 18. Our courses are built to support those requirements, and because they’re not government funded there are no eligibility checks or ID needed – you can enrol and start learning straight away.
