Page 16                                                                                                                                                                                               Labhairt Amach
Text Box: Michael Speight, a sixth year pupil, gives his account of a two day programme he participated in to help with suicide prevention. In the college a number of upper sixth pupils recently completed a two day suicide prevention programme which qualified us in suicide intervention. In this course we learnt how to identify if someone is feeling suicidal using a range of techniques which includes their actions, feelings and the change of physical appearances. We were taught these techniques using a range of role-plays and by studying some videos where we expressed our opinions on what went wrong. We were shown the suicide interventions model which is made up of connecting Text Box: to the person, understanding the person’s problems and then being able to assist them by making a contract and following up on them. The contract usually consists of the person at risk agreeing not to attempt suicide or self harm for a number of days and avoiding drugs and alcohol. We learned that it is extremely important to review the risk of the person you are helping because they may be on the verge of taking their own life. We had to review current factors such as the pain that they’re in, if they have a current suicide plan and if they have resources to carry out that plan. If the person feels that they are alone we can provide them with information about local hotlines where they deal with suicide prevention and also local GPs. Text Box: Background factors also play a huge part because they may have attempted suicide in the past or they may be on medication for mental health problems. The resources available to the suicidal person include both formal and informal; resources and short term support to lifelong support. The informal resources include family and friends, advisers and personal connections. The formal resources are the emergency services, health workers and the local community. I found this two day course informative and thought provoking, it certainly gave me food for thought and allowed me to realize that many people out there are in need of a friendly helping hand. I would recommend more people to make the most of courses such as this, they are truly beneficial. Text Box: Christmas”. Wanting to wish everyone this glad tiding more than once we would like to share with you how this greeting is given in a number of languages. You will be able to impress (and perhaps baffle!) the ones you love this Christmas when you wish them “Merry Text Box: It’s that time of the year again; exams are looming and the holidays are approaching. Yes Christmas is nearly here and the editorial team would like to take this opportunity to wish all our contributors and readers “Merry Text Box: Christmas” in: Irish— “Nollaig Shona” French— “Joyeux Noel” Spanish— “Feliz Navidad” Italian— “Buon Natale” Norwegian— “God Jul” Polish— “Wesolych Swiat Text Box: The Assist Programme Text Box: Merry Christmas