SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING COMING TO THE CAPITAL REGION

The Saratoga County Suicide Prevention Coalition is partnering with The Church at Newtown Road to offer suicide prevention training to the community. Two unique trainings will be offered in March. They are open to the public and registration is required for each.

The Soul Shop for Youth Workers training focuses on faith-based and youth-specific suicide prevention techniques and is the first of such training to be held in upstate New York. The Community Awareness Skills Training (CAST) is a community conversation to address how we think and talk about suicide.

Michael S. Prezioso, Ph.D., Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services said, “Sadly, suicide rates are climbing in New York State. While many people can and do overcome the crisis through connections with others and intervention strategies, everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by learning the warning signs and reaching out to someone they're concerned about. These impactful and much needed trainings will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools to help save a life.”

Amy Hughes, Outreach Coordinator at The Church at Newtown Road said, “Suicide prevention is more than just stopping someone from acting on their thoughts. It is recognizing the warning signs, understanding how to talk about suicide and depression, and knowing the resources available for suicide prevention. These trainings offer a holistic approach to learning how to help someone who may have suicidal desperation and are beneficial for everyone in our community.”

Community Awareness Skills Training

CAST (Community Awareness Skills Training) is a community-oriented event designed to help us all explore how we think and talk about suicide. CAST addresses suicide as a major community health problem and presents steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of suicide. It is designed for the entire community including parents, teachers, first responders, medical professionals, support groups, veteran organizations, domestic abuse organizations, senior centers, and more. All are welcome to attend this meaningful discussion about suicide and practice interactions with persons at risk. The Church at Newtown Road is sponsoring this event, making it freely available to the entire community. Registration is required.

Soul Shop Conference

Soul Shop for Youth Workers is a one-day, faith-based training designed specifically to equip persons to minister to youth who are impacted by suicidal desperation. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death across the country and NYS in the 10-24 year old age range. Special attention is focused on youth-specific issues of impulsivity, contagion, and confidentiality. The training lays a Scriptural foundation for ministering to suicidal desperation among youth, and also includes how to recognize warning signs, how to engage in life-saving conversations, and how to keep youth safe. In addition, Soul Shop for Youth Workers provides practical ways to integrate this ministry into lesson plans, group activities, and one on one conversations. This training is beneficial to anyone who works with youth in their community.