There remains a need for further research into youth-friendly interventions for young people at risk of suicide.

Background: Although deliberate self-harm is prevalent among young people, many who engage in deliberate self-harm receive sub-optimal care. Although schools are a well placed setting to support young people who engage in self-harm there are no specific training packages designed to assist school welfare staff to support these young people.

Depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm are common in adolescents; however, such difficulties often remain undetected. The aim of this study is to combine a school-based depression education program with a casedetection system in order to improve the recognition of depression; increase help-seeking; reduce stigma; and identify people at risk. The study employed a pre-test, posttest design with a wait-list control group. Participants were 343 14-to 16-year-old boys attending an Australian secondary school. The intervention comprised a one-off, 2-h workshop. Participants were assessed via questionnaire at three time points; the case-detection tool was embedded in the questionnaire. Participation led to an increased likelihood of seeking help; an increased likelihood of rating a relevant professional as helpful and improved attitudes. The screening led to the detection of 20 at-risk students. The program led to short-term improvements in mental health literacy and to the identification of several at-risk students.