How can I connect someone to help? How will I know if someone is thinking about suicide?
These questions and many more will be answered during a suicide awareness workshop called safeTALK hosted by the Ladner United Church on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The half-day workshop is open to anyone who wants to recognize the signs and signals of someone thinking of suicide and learn about creating a short-term safety plan to help the person get help.
“Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives,” states a press release from safeTALK. “Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. safeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources.”
safeTALK has been used in more than 20 countries around the world, and safeTALK-trained helpers are an important part of suicide-safer communities, working alongside intervention resources to identify and avert suicide risks.
safeTALK participants will learn to:
· Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts might be present.
· Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked.
· Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss and avoid suicide.
· Apply the TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe.
· Know community resources and how to connect someone with thoughts of suicide to them for further help.
The workshop fee is $25 (financial assistance available). Register at the office of Ladner United Church (4960-48th Ave.), by phone at 604-946-6254 or email: office@ladnerunited.org.
