SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness Programme) (face-to-face in Laois EC) 22.10.2024

SafeTALK is a half-day alertness training open to Primary and Post-Primary teachers, SNAs and parents that prepares attendees, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. SafeTALK-trained helpers can recognise these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources. SafeTALK-trained helpers are an important part of suicide-safer communities, working alongside intervention resources to identify and avert suicide risks.

Participants learn how to provide practical help by using the steps of TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keepsafe) and also gain information on the supports and resources available locally, regionally and nationally.

The four basic steps of TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keepsafe) are called ‘suicide alertness skills’ and are taught with the expectation that the person learning them will use them to help save lives and reduce suicide risk in their community.

safeTALK workshops support participants to:

• Understand the importance of suicide alertness and help you to identify people who have thoughts of suicide
• Learn clear and practical information on what to do if you need to support someone who is at risk of suicide  
• Learn and practice the four basic steps TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep safe) to connect a person with suicidal thoughts to suicide first aid help and further community resources
• Have increased knowledge of resources in your local community.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This training is suitable for anyone over the age of 18 yrs who wants to help prevent suicide and is prepared to become a ‘suicide alert’ helper, i.e. front line workers, clergy, volunteers, teachers, school community and people responding to family and friends.

WHAT HAPPENS AT SAFETALK TRAININGS?
- Expect to feel challenged, empowered and hopeful.
- See video clips which illustrate both non-alert and alert responses. Ask questions and enter discussions. 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 help.
- 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.

Date:               Tuesday 22nd October 2024

Time:               6-9.30pm

Venue:            Laois Education Centre

Facilitator:      Josephine Rigney: Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention – Midlands / HSE Midlands