Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is AFSP’s flagship suicide prevention education program that covers the scope of this leading cause of death, what the research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and the strategies that prevent it.

 In 2024, this presentation was refreshed based on feedback from presenters, content experts, and people with lived experience, resulting in a more inclusive presentation and design with additional strategies and examples for how to have a conversation about suicide.  The 45-60-minute presentation may be tailored for more targeted audiences in a variety of settings (e.g. LGBTQ+ communities, older adults, firearm owners, workplaces, etc.) and is available in-person and virtually.

Topics covered

Topics covered include:

• Scope of the Problem: The latest data on suicide in the U.S.
• Research: Information from research on what causes people to consider suicide, how certain communities are impacted by suicide differently, as well as contributors to suicide risk
• Prevention: An understanding of the protective factors that lower suicide risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care
• What You Can Do: Guidance on warning signs and behaviors to look for, how to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about, and ways to seek and offer support and crisis resources for yourself or others.
• For additional information about some of the topics covered in Talk Saves Lives, please visit: Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs and What to do when someone is at risk.

https://afsp.org/talk-saves-lives/

Loss of purpose and lack of connection are the two major risk factors for suicide. Programs that combat isolation and promote connection are suicide prevention programs. Here are some local prevention programs:

LivingWorks safeTALK is a four-hour training that equips people to be more alert to someone thinking of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. Using a simple yet effective model, LivingWorks safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference. With over 120,000 people attending each year, it’s the world’s fastest-growing suicide prevention skills training course.

In LivingWorks safeTALK you will learn how to reach out to someone thinking about suicide and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support. Your role as a connector is the main focus of this training, which features:

Trainer presentations, facilitated discussion, and skills practice

Videos that illustrate what happens when signs of suicide are overlooked, and how you can contribute to safe outcomes when these signs are heard and addressed

Opportunities to further explore organizational applications of the training

A community resource person will be on hand at the workshop to support your safety and comfort.

Higher level suicide prevention trainings for suicide helpers inlcude: 

LivingWorks ASIST is a two-day in-person workshop featuring powerful audiovisuals, discussions, and simulations.

At a LivingWorks ASIST workshop, you’ll learn how to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide, and how to provide a skilled intervention and develop a safety plan with the person to connect them to further support.

You will also consider how personal and community attitudes about suicide affect someone’s openness to seek help and your ability to provide it.

This workshop will increase your willingness, confidence, and capacity to provide suicide first aid.

Two knowledgeable, supportive trainers will guide you through the course, ensuring a comfortable and safe learning environment.

Showing up Training:  Putnam County is committed to fostering a culture of care, empathy, and connection through certified training programs designed to equip leaders, organizations, and community members with essential supportive care skills. Certified trainers in Putnam County are available to facilitate workshops and training sessions that help individuals and teams navigate stress, burnout, and the challenges of social disconnection. These workshops provide practical tools to bridge the Empathy-to-Action Gap, strengthen workplace and community relationships, and promote mental wellness.

Our trainers lead sessions on The Awkward Zone, Supportive Leadership, Team Connections, and more—all backed by research to enhance workplace performance, increase employee well-being, and cultivate a more connected community https://www.showing-up.com/workplace

To learn more about available workshops and how to host a training, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call: 845-808-1400