Help to prevent suicide
Posted on 21 May 2010 - Permalink
RECENT reports and health literature show suicide is the most underestimated community health problem in the world, says Darrell Hinga, training manager at EACH Social and community Health.
He said demand for suicide intervention training had been increasing over the years since 2002. "Suicidal thoughts are triggered by all sorts of situations - work stress, home life, social interactions even environmental and global catastrophes,"he said.
"In the past 12 months EACH has provided training to more than 200 individuals, mainly professionnals, and has recruited an additional 10 trainers from all over the State."
He said EACH was planning to expand training to rural communities and other parts of Victoria. "Our workshop, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), is a two-day interactive program that includes teaching, discussion, video and skills practise."
ASIST aims to provide practical help for care-givers seeking to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. "Course participants have included people concerned about family and friends; counsellors, teachers and ministers; workers in health, welfare and justice; community volunteers; and emergency service workers."
For more information contact Darrell Hinga at EACH on 9735 7900.