IRELAND: Extra Suicide Prevention Training Planned for Teachers

The Irish Times

Ireland is rolling out suicide prevention training to secondary school teachers. Starting this year, two staff members at each school can receive safeTALK training in how to identify and assist students at risk. The department of education also plans to train teachers how to respond to a “critical incident,” or an event “that overwhelms the normal coping mechanism of the school.” Six of Ireland’s 30 education centers offered the training in the last school year, and six more will provide training in the upcoming year. “I am keen to put as many safeguards as possible in place in our schools, to ensure we help our most vulnerable students,” said Minister for Education Richard Bruton.

Spark Extra! Check out Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools.