safeTALK Training, Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Cavan

Aim:
safeTALK is a 3.5 hour suicide alertness programme that prepares participants to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources. These specific set of skills are called suicide alertness and are taught with the expectation that the person learning them will use them to help to help reduce suicide risk in their community.

Content:
As a safeTALK trained suicide alert helper, you will be better able to:
• Move beyond the common tendencies to miss, dismiss or avoid suicide;
• Identify people who have thoughts of suicide;
• Apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen & Keepsafe) to connect a person with thoughts to suicide first-aid intervention caregivers.

For Whom:
This training is suitable for anyone over the age of 18 who wants to help prevent suicide and is prepared to be a suicide alert helper i.e. front line workers, clergy, volunteers, teachers and people responding to family and friends.

Method:
Video clips which illustrate both non-alert and alert responses. Learn clear and practical information on what to do if you need to support someone who is at risk or suicide.
Discuss and practice the TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keepsafe) steps so that you will have the skills to connect a person with suicidal thoughts to other relevant supports and services.
Learn about the available supports and resources in your community.

Note/Recommendation
The content of the safeTALK workshop may be difficult to deal with if you are feeling emotionally vulnerable. If you have suicidal thoughts, or have been recently bereaved, particularly through suicide, you may wish to delay taking part in this course until you're feeling stronger, emotionally.

Pieta provide information and support to those affected by suicide on their 24/7 Helpline 1800 247 247 or text “HELP” to 51444.

Support is also available from the Cavan Monaghan Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer on 085 870 6591.

• safeTALK training is not suitable for those aged under 18 years.
• Training is free but booking is essential.
• Places are limited to thirty participants on each course.
• For information on all co-ordinating sites please visit www.nosp.ie/training