Suicide is preventable, and everyone has a role to play. No matter what that role is.

Through grant funding Crossroads Community Services will offer a free SafeTALK training workshop at the Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library on Sept. 4 from 5-7:30 p.m.

SafeTALK, is a training program that prepares anyone over the age of 15 to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first-aid resources.

“SafeTALK is a very important program because it not only teaches participants the signs of suicide but also teaches individuals how to talk to the person experiencing distress,” said Crossroads Community Services Board Prevention Specialist Erin Glascock Sandow. “Participants will leave the program with the knowledge of how to access mental health care in an emergency and a community resource guide of local mental health providers.”

According to Sandow as a SafeTALK-trained suicide alert helper, people who participate will be better able to identify people who have thoughts of suicide and apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe).

The program is limited to 30 individuals and registration is required. Participants will receive a workbook, wallet card, removable stickers, a resource list and a certificate of completion.

“I believe citizens should take part in the training, so they are better equipped to recognize the signs of suicide and know what to do when someone is in crisis,” said Sandow.

To register for the workshop call (434) 392-9461 ext. 276