safeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone
The Porcupine Health Unit offers free suicide response training called safeTALK, developed by LivingWorks Education. This half-day training is available to anyone 15 years of age and up who wants to help prevent suicide.
safeTALK trains participants to:
- Identify persons with thoughts of suicide.
- Connect individuals-in-need to someone trained in suicide first aid.
Why come to safeTALK?
Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help. Often these opportunities are missed, dismissed or avoided leaving people more alone and at greater risk. safeTALK training prepares you to help by using TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe) to identify and engage people with thoughts of suicide and to connect them with further help and care.
Who should attend safeTALK?
safeTALK is for everyone who wants to help prevent suicide, and may include:
- Front line workers
- Volunteers
- Parents
- Youth*
- Teachers
* safeTALK is for anyone age 15 and older.
* safeTALK is not suitable for those who have recently been seriously affected by suicide.
The next safeTALK training
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, safeTALK sessions have been cancelled until further notice.
Please note that a minimum number of registrants is required to host safeTALK sessions. You will be notified the day prior to the scheduled date to confirm if the session can take place.
The Porcupine Health Unit offers closed safeTALK sessions to groups upon request. Contact the health unit at 1-800-461-1818 to request a safeTALK training workshop for your organization or community group.
For more information about safeTALK, other LivingWorks programs, and for training opportunities near you, visit the LivingWorks website.