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30 The SafeTALK programme: SafeTALK is the most important widely used programme in the Defence Forces as part of the ongoing work of suicide awareness and prevention. It is a half day of training that prepares people to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide and to have the confidence and the skills to intervene and get that person to safety. SafeTALK training is for everyone, and indeed the 'safe' part of SafeTALK stands for suicide alertness for everyone! It is ideal for people who volunteer, for teachers, or simply for anyone who comes in contact with others in the course of their daily lives. In the Defence Forces, SafeTALK training is delivered by PSS trainers and is available in all installations and on some overseas missions. Using a mixed media delivery, your trainer will help you to develop an understanding of just how important suicide awareness is. They will give you clear and useful information on how to support someone who is vulnerable to suicide, and they will bring you through the practical steps you can use to get someone to safety. You will also be given a clear idea of where the resources are within your community to help you. The ASIST programme: ASIST is a two-day workshop that is conducted in a face-to-face setting by two qualified trainers. The workshop is well structured and resourced and uses a variety of training media, including audio-visual and video content, group discussions, roleplay and simulations. When you do ASIST, you will be taught how to prevent suicide by recognising when someone is at risk, how to provide a skilled and thoughtful intervention, and how to develop a safety plan to keep someone safe. The three courses mentioned above, Start, SafeTALK and ASIST, can all be easily accessed. If you are a serving military person or family member, then please contact your local PSS team for details. Otherwise, you can contact the national office for suicide prevention (NOSP) at www.nosp.ie . These programmes are some of the best resources available but there are others. For instance, the OHANA zero suicide programme is a very good, simple and straightforward online course. You can access it at www.ohana.ie . So, there you are – just a quick review of some of the courses and resources that are available to help you become better at spotting when someone may need your help, and to give you the confidence to be able to intervene and to get them that help. Remember, you don't have to be a professional to be able to offer support. You just need to be aware, and to be willing to do what you can. If you have been affected by any of the information provided above, then please make sure you are protected and cared for. If you are a serving military person or a member of a military family, you can contact your local PSS team, email pss@military.ie or access INSPIRE, our 24-hour confidential counselling service. The INSPIRE free-phone number is 1800 409-673, and personnel serving overseas can access the service using 00- 353-1-685-6816. Any of our readers can access support immediately by texting HELLO to 50808. Pieta House provides a 24-hour crisis hotline available at 1800-247-247. They also have a 24-hour text service for people in crisis which you can access by texting 51444. The Samaritans are also available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support at Freephone 116 123. Suicide will always be present in our society, but by talking openly and by preparing ourselves with good training and education, we can reduce the risk, and support each other better through difficult times. It would be great if you could consider the training interventions mentioned and take the time to access the one which you feel is right for you. If you can, please discuss with a friend or colleague and see if they might be interested in attending the training with you. After all, the more of us who are aware, and who are confident enough to intervene, the safer we will all be. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. For more information, please email pss@military.ie HEAD SPACE & TIMING

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