Suicide Awareness

The Lions Club of Ennis, in partnership with the HSE, supports the delivery of the Ohana (25 minutes) and the HSE Living Links Start Programme (1hour 25 minutes) online training programmes that help participants to become alert to persons with suicidal thoughts. It also helps participants to gain a clear understanding of what steps they should take in order to help individuals with these thoughts.
The Lions Club members are concerned at the number of suicides in our communities, particularly amongst the young. We feel it is incumbent on an organisation with the motto is “We Serve”, to do something about the suffering felt by the victims and their families and friends. If more people in their community have suicide alertness skills, then people at risk are more likely to get life-saving help when they need it most.
This training is suitable for anyone over 18 years of age, who wants to help prevent suicide and is prepared to become more suicide alert, but has not been affected by a recent loss or bereavement by suicide during the past 12 to 18 months. We have invited people from all walks of life to attend our SafeTalk training, including taxi drivers, hairdressers, security door staff, accountants, solicitors, financial sector employees, bar / restaurant staff, school staff, parent committees and all sports clubs.
The club’s suicide awareness programme is managed by an assigned Lion with a small committee in support. If someone you know is in crisis and in need of someone to talk to, your first point of contact is your GP or ShannonDoc. Alternatively, contact the emergency services 999 or 112, the Samaritans 24 hour Freephone listening service on 116 123 or visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on mental health supports and services.
For contact details of your local HSE training coordinator, who can issue you with a free licence to complete LivingWorksStart and for information on other training programmes that are available or coming up in your area, visit www.nosp.ie/training.