New safeTALK trainers ready to support the Charters Towers community

selectability has partnered with LivingWorks to deliver a free suicide prevention training to the Charters Towers community.

The program,‘safeTALK’, is designed to prepare anyone over the age of 15 to become a suicide-alert helper.

Regional Coordinator Sue-Ellen Weedon said the half-day program taught participants how to recognise when someone may have thoughts of suicide and how to respond in ways that link them with suicide intervention help.

“Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive,” said Sue-Ellen.

safeTALK trained helpers can recognise these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources.

“The half-day program taught us (participants) how to recognise when someone may have thoughts of suicide and how to respond.

“We were taken through the practical “Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe (TALK) method that help with the thoughts of suicide,” explained Sue-Ellen.

selectability is committed to improving the mental wellbeing of the Charters Towers community and a big part of this is ensuring training programs like safeTALK can be delivered in appropriate and accessible facilities.

“It is crucial to have people in our community who are willing to listen to a person when they need help or are reaching out, and thanks to this course we now have 15 newly trained safeTALK helpers in the community.

“We look forward to continuing to ensure the Charters Towers community has access to important programs and initiatives like this.”

Developed in 2006 by LivingWorks Education, safeTALK, complements longer suicide intervention training. So far the program has been used in over 20 countries around the world.

If someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or needs help, please call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Triple 000.