HSE Suicide Prevention Training

The HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) effectively supports, informs, monitors, and coordinates the implementation of Connecting for Life, Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce suicide, 2015-2020.  This strategy has now been extended to 2024. 

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Connecting for Life is Ireland's national cross-sectoral strategy to prevent suicide, with 69 actions under the following 7 strategic goals. 

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1. A better understanding of suicidal behaviour

2. Supporting communities to prevent and respond to suicidal behaviour

3. Targeted approaches for those vulnerable to suicide

4. Improved access, consistency, and integration of services

5. Safe and high-quality services

6. Reduce access to means

7. Better data and research

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Under the Connecting for Life strategy, the following is a list of training that NOSP coordinates and funds.  To find out where/when training is available or to book training, please click on the following: HSE Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention.

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LivingWorks START

The start is a basic introductory online programme that takes around 1.5 hours to complete and will help develop the skills and knowledge required to help keep others safe from suicide.

This training will help participants to: 

• Become more comfortable talking about suicide

• Keep someone safe in times of distress

• Support friends and co-workers

• Build professional skills

• Have peace of mind knowing you are ready to help

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SafeTALK

SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) is an internationally recognised half-day training programme that prepares participants to identify and engage with people who may be having thoughts of suicide and to connect them to suicide first-aid resources.  SafeTALK-trained helpers learn to recognise invitations and requests for help and how to take action to support people by connecting them with life-saving resources, supports and services.

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ASIST

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a two-day skill-building workshop on suicide prevention.  This course provides an opportunity to understand what a person at risk needs from others to keep safe and get further help.  Participants are trained to reduce the immediate risk of suicide.

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Understanding Self-harm
The Understanding Self-harm workshop provides opportunities to improve knowledge, awareness and understanding of self-harming behaviour.  It aims to clarify what self-harm is, what leads people to engage in the behaviour and considers its relationship with suicide.  

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Workshop for Communities
"Supporting people bereaved through suicide in the community".  The HSE will arrange a workshop in response to an invitation from a community.  This two-hour workshop is part of an initiative to enhance communication and provide support to communities bereaved through suicide.  Venues may include community halls, workplaces, GAA and or sports clubs.

This workshop will provide participants with:

• An understanding of the grieving process

• Knowledge of how to support individuals, families and communities bereaved through suicide

• Knowledge of available help/support services and how to access these

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Supporting People Bereaved Through Suicide

Suicide Bereavement Training for Professionals is a one-day training session around bereavement and grieving in the context of suicide.  Participants become familiar with the grieving process in the context of suicide and develop an understanding of the key elements of supporting someone bereaved through suicide.  The Suicide Bereavement workshop is aimed at professionals and key contact people who, in the course of their work, encounter those bereaved through suicide to develop a greater understanding of the key elements of supporting someone bereaved through suicide. 

For more information, please get in touch with a Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer.  

Click here for a list.

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