Suicide prevention session will be held in Carnlough

The free Safe Talk training session - being held in Glenlough Community Centre on Wednesday, September 26 from 7pm to 10pm - is being hosted by the three Public Health Agency Protect/Life Suicide Prevention funded community-based suicide prevention development officers within the Northern area, in partnership with Dare to Stretch, which is also funded by the Public Health Agency.

The Carnlough event is one of 10 sessions being delivered within communities with each of the sessions emphasising the importance of recognising the signs of suicide, communicating with the person at risk and getting help or resources for the person at risk.

Upon successful completion each participant will receive a certificate.

Amanda Pollock, suicide prevention development officer for North Antrim Community Network and Causeway Rural and Urban Network said: “Safe Talk is suicide awareness for everyone and the sessions will prepare participants with the skills to better identify people who maybe having thoughts of suicide whilst also equipping participants with the TALK steps; (Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep safe) when connecting with a person with suicidal thoughts.”

The sessions are open to anyone aged 15 or over from the area, who is interested in promoting mental health or suicide prevention and who is interested in building upon their knowledge of suicide prevention.

The sessions follow a World Suicide Prevention Day event held at Broadway in Larne at which those attending were invited to attach messages to balloons which were then released. Speakers inclued Gillian Leitch Armstrong, who holds family support group meetings for those bereaved through suicide.

If you or someone you know are in crisis or despair please contact Lifeline 24/7 on freephone 0808 808 8000.

A text-line is available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, 18001 0808 808 8000.

You can also visit your GP or talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling.