On World Suicide Prevention Day this year we held a very special ASIST course. What better way to honour the day than by training 24 suicide first-aiders who returned to their communities ready, willing and able to intervene with people at risk of suicide?
The Argus covered the story:
http://www.grassrootstraining.org.uk/downloads/GrassrootsInTheNews1.jpg
We were very pleased that the Argus also wrote the following editorial, entitled 'Working For One Life At A Time':
"Brighton & Hove has the unenviable distinction of being one of the country's suicide hotspots. Fortunately there are companies and charities working to try to reduce these statistics one precious life at a time.
By training professionals who work with people most at risk of suicide to detect signs and talk about their suicidal feelings they are performing invaluable work.
Suicide remains a taboo subject and yet healthcare professionals know that only by discussing the issue openly can reasons to live be explored.
It remains the tradition of the British to keep a stiff upper lip and carry on regardless. But this approach only bottles up negative feelings - until they are released with tragic circumstances.
Learning to stop those who are feeling most vulnerable and reaching them before it is too late does not just save one life. It also saves friends and families the pain of losing a loved one in circumstances which are difficult to comprehend.
We can only hope that this good work continues, helping Brighton and Hove to shed this most unelcome of tags."
September 13th, 2010.
