Lions Club and HSE offering SafeTALK opportunity

Tullamore Lions Club and the HSE Midlands Suicide Prevention Resource Service have teamed up to organise the delivery of a suicide alertness programme in The Charleville Centre in Tullamore next Tuesday, February 18.

The SafeTALK programme teaches the skills to be alert to suicide. Participants are prepared to be better able to identify and engage with people who may be considering ending their lives.

The four basic steps - TALK: Tell, Ask, Listen and Keepsafe - enables practical help and support to be given to those in distress. Information on local and national supports and resources is also obtained in the programme.

The programme is nationally accredited and is delivered in three hrs. It is funded by the HSE and the National Office for Suicide Prevention and further information can be obtained on www.nosp.ie.

Previous participants have commented that SafeTALK helped them to notice changes in people and how to go about asking them if they are thinking of suicide.

“It showed me how talking and listening to someone’s problems could help them and let them know that there are people who care and are willing to listen to them, because sometimes they just need someone to talk to,” the same participant said.

If you would like to attend the SafeTalk next week you’re asked to register at the Bridge Centre this Thursday or Friday between 4pm and 7pm, Saturday all day or by calling Lions Club members Des Henry (087 2547138), Mark Gallagher (086 8310311) or Alan Duffy (087 2303837) or suicide prevention resource officer Josephine Rigney on 086 8157850.