Hi my name is Jack, I’m a Community ChangeMaker and I co-facilitate Real Talk Workshops
Last month we delivered a Real Talk suicide prevention workshop at the Sea View Centre in Hastings. We ran the session for 15 community members, enabling them to have open and honest conversations about suicide.
For those of you not familiar with the Sea View Centre it’s a place that works to help and inspire people living on life’s margins. The hard working staff and volunteers daily improve the lives of vulnerable people by offering a strong open access approach to people experiencing a range of issues including mental health, learning disabilities, social isolation, rough sleeping and homelessness. Their refreshing attitude is one of can do and not don’t do! This has it benefits and its challenges – but from what we see it works!
The group was made up of the centre’s service users, staff and guests who all bravely discussed suicide in an open and safe way. We discussed why we think Men are a high risk group and also what we could do to get more men talking. Why we feel people are scared to talk about suicide, what are the barriers that stop us from having the conversation and what can we all do to change this.
We all want to be heard and we all want to feel our beliefs are thoughts are valid – the workshop really gives people the environment to be heard. The willingness to help each other and share thoughts and beliefs was admirable!
It was a pleasure to be involved with the group and we look forward to working with them more.
Real Talk is for all and none of us have to be professionals to carry the message that Suicide can be prevented through open, courageous and caring conversation. Real Talk is the model to carry this message – so if you or your community needs to get talking – start today and get in touch!!!!
Learn more about Sea View Project here.
For ways to start a conversations about suicide download our handy resources: