This impact report, focusing on activities and change against its theory of change during its 2019 - 2022 strategy period. The report, by Tiller Research Ltd, highlights outcomes and changes under the Alliance's four linked areas of impact, partnership, practice, research and policy. These areas were identified in the Alliance's 2018 consultation, which recommended that the Alliance focus on connecting practitioners, policy makers and researchers with each other, with evidence and with support. The report celebrates the Alliance's impact on policy developments and its achievements in building and supporting a thriving UK-wide network of research-practice Hubs, connecting 891 professionals in 12 Hubs hosted by 21 partners working to do together for Service children what they cannot do alone.
Abstract: The U.S. Army’s Ask, Care, Escort (ACE) suicide gatekeeper training has been the annual requirement for all personnel since 2009; however, this training has never been formally evaluated. The present study evaluated three updated versions of ACE: a training for Army leaders (ACE-Suicide Intervention), a training for basic combat trainees (ACE for Basic Combat Training and One Station Unit Training), and a standard training for all personnel (ACE for the Force). Self-report surveys measured pre- to posttraining changes in objective and subjective knowledge and stigma, as well as preparedness, self-efficacy, and likelihood to engage in gatekeeper behaviors. Implementation outcomes, such as training acceptability, suitability, and usability were also assessed. Across these evaluations, participants reported that knowledge and gatekeeper behaviors significantly improved from pre- to posttraining. Implementation metrics revealed a high degree of acceptability and relevance for all three ACE trainings. Overall, the findings of these evaluations suggest important changes in key suicide prevention outcomes following the ACE suite of trainings. Further longitudinal assessment is needed to establish the full effectiveness of gatekeeper interventions in the Army.