“Breaking The Silence Trains 20 More Trainers Across Cork County”

“Breaking The Silence Trains 20 More Trainers Across Cork County”

“This time last year it all started with a bit of boxing and following on from that it is great to see you all trained in such an important area.  I think Suicide has affected most of us today and most of our families” Ger Spillane of Cork Senior GAA Football Team & Ballygarvan spoke very passionately at the presentation of certificates to 20 new Peer Support Education Programme Trainers last night at Cork International Airport Hotel. “We really admire the work that Breaking The Silence do and they are volunteers just like us”. Ger told the group that with funding raised from the Cork Senior GAA Football Team’s Celebrity Boxing Event last Christmas and the National Lottery, Cobh based voluntary group Breaking The Silence organised for 20 new Peer Support Education Programme Trainers to be trained.  These trainers come from all types of professional backgrounds and live across Cork County.  John Lawlor (Breaking The Silence Trainer and previous Chairman) who was instrumental in making this training happen spoke to the trainers about how important it is to go out and use the training and how from experience that very positive results happen when you do this.  In Cobh for example John explained that this training has lead to previous trainees going on to complete other Suicide Awareness, Intervention & Prevention Training and based on this Young Breaking The Silence has recently been formed.  Speaking to three participants in particular plans are already underway to roll out this training in Mayfield, Charleville and Carrigtwohill.  Peer Support Education Programme targets transition year students and youths.  It involves five 2 hour work groups, with the aim of creating self awareness around Suicide and Mental Health and it helps participants to recognise signs in their own peer group.

If you would like to receive more information from Breaking The Silence please contact breakingthesilencecobh@gmail.com Breaking The Silence will run their next SAFE TALK free three hour workshop in Cobh on 17^th November for details please email the group as soon as possible as spaces fill up very quickly.  Breaking The Silence are also actively recruiting for volunteers to assist with the upcoming flag day in Cobh on 25^th November 2010 if you have an hour or two free on the day to help out please email fundraisingbts@gmail.com and our fundraising team will be in contact with you.

Avril Quinn, PRO

1 Life is a dedicated 24 hour freephone national suicide prevention helpline;

Call 1800 247100 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444