Types of training
Suicide prevention training is provided at a number of different levels - it aims to develop general awareness, alertness skills or intervention skills.
Online programmes
LivingWorks Start, Suicide Prevention Skills Online
LivingWorks Start, is an online, interactive training programme that will give you the skills and knowledge to keep others safe from suicide. It will help you identify people who are at risk, confidently ask them about the topic of suicide and connect them with resources that can help them stay safe. The programme uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions. You can pause and recommence the programme at your own convenience. On average, the programme will take one hour 30 minutes to complete, but you can work at your own pace.
This programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland.
- Irish residents, aged 18 and over, can request a free LivingWorks Start licence, from your local coordinator.
- Contact details for your local coordinator
| Professional Body | Number of points |
| The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland | 1 point |
| Psychological Society of Ireland | 1 point |
| Irish College of Paramedics | 1 point per hour of learning |
| Irish College of General Practioners | 1 point |
| Royal College of Surgeons | 1 point |
| Royal College of Physicians | 1 point |
| College of Anaesthetists | 1 point |
| NMBI | NA |
eSuicideTalk
esuicideTALK is a one to two hour online exploration in suicide awareness. The programme is organised around the question “should we talk about suicide?” and offers a space to safely explore some of the more challenging issues relating to suicide. The programme encourages everyone to find a part they can play in preventing suicide. Its goal is to help make direct, open and honest talk about suicide easier.
- Irish residents, aged 18 and over, can access esuicideTALK for free
- When asked for user information, enter “NOSP” in the Full Company Name field. This is necessary for access to the online programme.
Face-to-face programmes
Understanding Self-harm
The Understanding Self-harm workshop provides opportunities to improved knowledge, awareness and understanding of self-harming behaviour. Participants consider how personal attitudes and experiences might affect their helping role with a person who self-harms. It aims to clarify what self-harm is, what leads people to engage in the behaviour and considers its relationship with suicide. The causes, reasons behind the behaviour, and the functions are discussed. Positive approaches to engaging with and caring for someone who self-harms are presented. Active participation is encouraged.
| Professional Body | Number of points |
| The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland | Denied |
| Psychological Society of Ireland | 4 points |
| Irish College of Paramedics | 1 point per hour of learning (7 hours) |
| Irish College of General Practitioners | 5.5 points |
| Royal College of Surgeons | NA |
| Royal College of Physicians | NA |
| College of Anaesthetists | NA |
| NMBI | Approved - 7 CEU's |
Suicide bereavement workshop
Postvention suicide services address and target the needs of individuals personally affected by a suicide to aid them through the bereavement and grieving process. The Suicide bereavement workshop is a one day training about bereavement and grieving particularly in the context of suicide and is aimed at professionals and key contact people who, in the course of their work, come into contact with those bereaved through suicide.
The ‘Supporting people bereaved through suicide in the community’ programme is also delivered to community groups around the country by the HSE Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention and Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officers.
| Professional Body | Number of points |
| The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland | 4 Points |
| Psychological Society of Ireland | 4 Points |
| Irish College of Paramedics. | 1 point per hour of learning (7 hours) |
| Irish College of General Practitioners | 4 Points |
| Royal College of Surgeons | 4 Points |
| Royal College of Physicians | 4 Points |
| College of Anaesthetists | 4 Points |
| NMBI | N/A |
safeTALK
safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) is an internationally recognised half-day training programme that prepares participants to recognise and engage with people who may be having thoughts of suicide and to connect them to suicide first aid resources. 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. safeTALK-trained helpers can recognise these invitations for help and take action by supporting people to connect with life-saving resources, supports and services.
To mark World Mental Health Week in October 2019, RTÉ's Nationwide featured the work of Kinvara Alive, a voluntary group whose aim it is to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing in the community.
A key component of the work Kinvara Alive do in and for the community is training and the group rolls this out using safeTALK.
| Professional Body | Number of points |
| The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland | Denied |
| Psychological Society of Ireland | 2 points |
| Irish College of Paramedics. | 1 point per hour of learning (3.5) |
| Irish College of General Practitioners | 3.5 points |
| Royal College of Surgeons | N/A |
| Royal College of Physicians | N/A |
| College of Anaesthetists | N/A |
| NMBI | Approved - 4 CEU's |
ASIST
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a two-day skills building workshop in suicide first aid. Participants are trained to reduce the immediate risk of a suicide and increase the support for a person at risk. The workshop provides opportunities to learn what a person at risk may need from others in order to keep safe and get more help. Those taking part in the training will feel challenged and safe, work interactively with others in small groups, learn a suicide first aid model that provides a framework for skills practice and experience powerful audio visuals.
| Professional Body | Number of points |
| The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland | Denied |
| Psychological Society of Ireland | 8 points |
| Irish College of Paramedics. | 1 point per hour of learning (2 days - 16 hours) |
| Irish College of General Practitioners | 2 GMS study leave days and 15 CPD credits |
| Royal College of Surgeons | N/A |
| Royal College of Physicians | N/A |
| College of Anaesthetists | N/A |
| NMBI | Approved - 14 CEU's |