safeTALK is a 3½ hour ‘suicide alertness’ programme that prepares participants (over the age of 18 yrs.) to identify and engage with persons who may be having thoughts of suicide. 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. These specific skills are called suicide alertness and are taught with the expectation that the persons learning them will use them to help reduce suicide risk in their community.

The four basic steps of TALK 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.

CONTENT:

SafeTALK suicide alert helpers are trained to:
• Move beyond common tendencies to miss, dismiss or avoid suicide
• Identify people who have thoughts of suicide
• Apply the TALK steps to connect a person with suicidal thoughts to people and agencies that can help.

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, volunteers, parents, teachers, citizens, etc.

WHAT HAPPENS AT SAFETALK TRAININGS?

• Expect to be challenged. Expect to have feelings. Expect to be 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.
• 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 resources.
• On completion of the training you will receive a certificate.
• This training may be eligible for CPD points from your accrediting body. Please contact them directly for further details.

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.
For 24hr information or support:

Pieta
Free individual counselling, therapy and support for people who self-harm or are thinking about suicide and people who have been bereaved by suicide.
Freephone 1800 247 247, or Text HELP to 51444

Samaritans
Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support.
Freephone 116 123

Text 50808
A free, 24/7 service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis. Free-text HELLO to 50808

Your Mental Health information line
The Your Mental Health information line is a phone service you can call any time to get information on:
• the mental health supports and services available to you, and
• how to access different services provided by the HSE and services they fund.
Freephone 1800 111 888

HSE funded (SBLO) Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer for those bereaved by suicide. Details for the SBLO in your area are available here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/nosp/suicide-bereavement-liaison-officers/