Ann Nichols and Tom Murray, both trained in suicide intervention skills, have been running day workshops with our Senior Schools to raise awareness of, and teach skills for, signposting those who are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Groups of senior students who are involved in well-being in their schools have engaged with this workshop. Often, a person who is struggling with mental health issues, despair and trauma will seek help from a peer. Teenagers are likely to confide in a friend, as it is a time when friendship is the most prominent relationship in our lives. Students leave the workshop with skills to recognise the signs of distress, able to ask the question about suicidal thoughts, and able to hopefully offer short-term ‘first aid’ to that person, helping them to discover hope and support for the future.
Photo shows some of the students who completed the day’s training at St Anselm’s College and St Ambrose College this term.
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.