Call for suicide prevention training in Monasterevin

SUICIDE prevention training could be introduced in Monasterevin through a SafeTALk community events.

At the latest meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, cllr Pat Balfe tabled a motion calling for the organisation of a SafeTALK suicide prevention training event in Monasterevin. The initiative is proposed as part of mental health awareness month.

The training aims to equip participants with practical skills to identify and support individuals at risk of suicide.

In response, the Kildare County Council Community Department reaffirmed its ongoing collaboration with the HSE Suicide Prevention Officer, Heads Up, and other stakeholders through various forums, including the "Connecting for Life" initiative.

The department noted that suicide prevention training, including SafeTALK, is being actively rolled out across multiple areas in the county.

A spokesperson for the Community Department confirmed that a list of HSE-organised courses in Kildare are available on the HSE website and are regularly promoted by the council.

Community organisations interested in hosting similar events are encouraged to contact either the HSE Suicide Prevention Officer or the Kildare County Council Community team directly.

Happy with the response, cllr Balfe told the council: “This is a meaningful step towards increasing mental health awareness.” 

Seconding the motion, cllr Chris Pender said: “It’s a timely thing we need to be doing now. This is not a political issue – this is something everyone in this building has been touched by.”