The club’s suicide awareness programme is managed by an assigned Lion with a small committee in support.
The club members like everybody else, are concerned at the number of suicides in our communities, particularly amongst the young. We feel it incumbent as an organisation whose motto is “We Serve” to do something about the suffering felt by the victims and their families and friends.
The Galway Lions Club, in partnership with the HSE, supports the delivery of SafeTALK, a three-hour training programme that helps participants to become alert to persons with suicidal thoughts. It also helps participants to gain a clear understanding of what steps they should take in order to help individuals with these thoughts.
People at risk are more likely to get life-saving help when they need it most, if more people in their community have safeTALK suicide alertness skills.
This training is suitable for anyone over 18 years of age, who has not been affected by a recent loss, who wants to help prevent suicide in their community.
We have invited people from all walks of life to attend our safeTALK training, including taxi drivers, hairdressers, security door staff, accountants, solicitors, financial sector employees, bar / restaurant staff, school staff, parent committees and all sports clubs.
Training is currently suspended due to Covid -19. If someone you know is in crisis and in need of someone to talk to, your first point of contact is your GP or Westdoc 185036500(evenings or night-time.) Alternatively contact the emergency services 999 or 112, the Emergency Department in University College Hospital Galway, the Samaritans 24 hour Freephone listening service on on 116 123 or visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on mental health supports and services.