safeTALK is a half day training programme that prepares the participant to identify people with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources.

On December 5th in Enniscorthy, this training was held by Wexford Local Development and facilitated by the HSE Suicide Resource Office.  The course was attended by 15 individuals, made up of healthcare course participants of Wexford Local Development, community volunteers, students of Selskar College in Wexford, and WLD staff.

 

How safeTALK works

Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t want to die—instead, they are looking for a way to work through the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they usually invite others to help them in making a choice for life. safeTALK teaches participants to recognise these invitations, engage with the person with thoughts of suicide, and connect them with resources to help them be safer from suicide.

These resources could include health care professionals, first responders, teachers, community workers, help line workers—among many others who have suicide intervention training.

Participants found the training to be a very positive experience, and one that can “be used in everyday situations”. Trainees felt that the workshop provided them with “simple but effective techniques to help prevent suicide”.

The training was delivered by Leighann Ryan Culleton, Development & Training Officer with the HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office, and offered by Wexford Local Development under the SICAP Programme 2015 – 2017.