Resource library

In line with initial scoping work undertaken with ZSA stakeholders, we aim to present a standardised array of information about each resource enabling you to make you to make an informed decision on its use. If there is a cost to the organisation or end user of the resource, this will be clearly stated.

This will include information on:

• Core elements - key aims and features of the resource

• Supporting rationale - understanding the background behind why the resource was developed 

• Rating - external ratings for phone applications only

• Evaluation - evidence of academic based evaluations or anecdotal feedback from users

• Recommendations - bodies that support the use of the resource

• Endorsements - higher level of recommendation, can include direct involvement in development and publication

• Data protection considerations - largely reserved for digital tools only, adherence to GDPR regulations

• Additional information - extra useful information

This seach filter enables you to select resources based on the audience you are trying to reach. We have identified these key audiences:

• Anyone - generally used for everyone this typically meaning any adult, unless otherwise specified. Many resources have been designed to support adults who are able to handle some of the sometimes distressing elements of talking about suicide prevention 

• Gatekeepers - gatekeepers are those professionals who refer into secondary care services, such as mental health services, or social care. These professionals are not necessarily mental health professionals, but they are a key part of the health and social care system and can carry out referrals as opposed to signposting alone. Examples of gatekeepers are social workers, GP's and health visitors 

• Primary school students - in the UK some children start at school from age 4, however for our purposes we tend to use the latter part of primary school (ages 7-11) as the key age for any activity offered within the resources we reference 

• Secondary school students - in the UK Secondary school starts typically at age 12, and continues up to age 16. We use this age range for this audience group 

• College students - further education colleges can cater for adults from age 16 and above, and there are many adult learners pursuing education in this sector throughout the life course. We have identified this age group as the ages of 16 to 24 

• University students - higher education institutions such as universities can also offer learning for adults from age 18 and above, with many learners studying well into their 60's and beyond. To reflect this we have indicated this group are 18 and above.

• Teachers / educators - this group covers all those who are in the education sector, who have a role within formal institutions and as tutors. Educators can be anyone who is involved with education; whether they teach, support, or hold a position of influence and duty of care 

• Healthcare professionals - these professionals may be nurses, doctors, allied health professionals or wider roles within the healthcare system. This group have a duty of care to patients and service users and are involved with the health of those they support. As part of this we include acute, community and mental healthcare, along with speciality care including forensic, older adult and learning disability services 

• Wider professionals - this group includes healthcare professionals, teachers / educators and those from police, fire, ambulance, local government and third sector / not for profit sector. This group will offer support for members of the public or people on their case load and will offer social and practical support, as well as specific health or social care support. These people may not be formal gatekeepers, in that they do not refer into secondary care services. Examples of wider professionals are MP's, local council workers, and charity volunteers and staff 

• Workplace - this audience is representative of those who work in many different sectors, and do not ordinarily interact with mental health or wellbeing of others. For this audience relevant resources may focus on staff wellbeing such as business guides which give them the skills to maintain and champion health and wellbeing within the workplace 

• Family and carers - family and carers are vital to all of us, whether they have a formal role as a carer in our lives or as loved ones who help us stay connected and support us through tough times. Family and carers are a fundamental part of the informal health economy and often it is these connections that can have an enormous impact on the health and wellbeing of the person they care about 

For more information about the aims and the development process of the Resource Library, see ZSA Policies.