Please find information on training and resources available from the HSE Resource Office for Suicide Prevention:

Training:

Face to face suicide prevention training such as SafeTALK, ASIST, Understanding Self-harm and STORM have been paused since March 2020 due to COVID-19. However, planning has begun to move some courses online.

LivingWorks Start

Builds skills and knowledge to keep others safe. The programme has been developed by Living Works, the same company who developed the SafeTALK and ASIST programmes. It is targeted at anyone over the age of 18 who wants to help prevent suicide and develop the skills to help someone who may be at risk of suicide. The aim of the programme is to help participants to identify people who are at risk of suicide, to confidently ask them about the topic of suicide and to connect them with resources that can help them stay safe.  It can be completed in 1.5 hours and includes a four-step model to keep someone safe from suicide and impactful simulations which are undertaken and put into practice during the programme. A licence is required by each individual to undertake the Start programme.  Licences are limited and there is also a cost for each Licence (borne by the HSE), therefore it is imperative that anyone who applies for a Licence is committed to completing the programme. This Licence can be obtained on request by contacting  Eddie Ward – eddie.ward@hse.ie  All relevant information re accessing the programme and the accompanying information re local and national supports and services will then be forwarded

E-suicide TALK 

This programme has no cost or licence implication and available just by registering on the link. Whilst it is essentially an ‘awareness’ programme, it is nonetheless very worthwhile and a good introductory programme and one from which to progress to other programmes, such as Start, safeTALK and ASIST.  It is a one to two hour online exploration in suicide awareness. The programme is organised around the question “should we talk about suicide?” and offers a space to safely explore some of the more challenging issues relating to suicide. The programme encourages everyone to find a part they can play in preventing suicide. Its goal is to help make direct, open and honest talk about suicide easier. It is open to Irish residents, aged 18 and over and can be accessed by clicking on the following link: https://www.esuicidetalk.net/client-register/c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b When asked for user information, enter “NOSP” in the Full Company Name field. This is necessary for access to the online programme.

Information/Resources:

The following resources are available upon request from the Resource Office for Suicide Prevention. These can be delivered either by email or by hardcopy:
– Louth and Meath Crisis Supports Information directory
– Help is at Hand Covid-19 Informational Poster on available national/local services (attached)
– HSE Resource Office for Suicide Prevention Louth & Meath Help & Support Information Cards – These wallet sized cards provide details of support and information resources available in counties Louth and Meath
– HSE Responding to a person in suicidal distress Guidance Document – This aims to support staff and volunteers working in public facing roles to interact with people who present or contact the service in distress or at risk of suicide and self-harm
– A selection of suicide and self-harm informational booklets and leaflets including:
‘Concerned about suicide?’;
‘Would you know what to do if someone told you they were thinking of suicide?’;
‘If you have been bereaved by suicide’;
‘Supporting someone bereaved by suicide’;
‘Self-harm & Young People – An informational booklet for parents & concerned adults’

National Supports:

The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention quarterly newsletters (links below) providing up to date information on initiatives and supports available. In recent months considerable work has been underway to expand service and support options to people via telephone and online methods, given the challenges faced with Covid-19.
https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=8e0f880c3af74ee9e2f972b55&id=ddcbef64c3
https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=8e0f880c3af74ee9e2f972b55&id=52b11261a0