Tipperary Link 4 Life
1 in every 4 people will experience mental health problems in their lifetime (Department of Health and Children, 2011).
North Tipperary averages the third highest rate of suicide in Ireland.
Tipperary Link 4 Life is a new initiative developed by the North Tipperary Sports Partnership (NTSP) in association with the HSE and Áras Folláin to connect volunteers from the physical activity and sporting community with the training and information to help them understand both the physical and mental well-being of current and potential members.
Tipperary Link 4 Life emphasises the benefits of physical activity for the mental health and well-being of every person. Physical activity and participation in clubs, organisations and fitness classes offers the opportunity to improve self-confidence, self-esteem and over all well-being by socialising and connecting with the people, the facilities and the amenities in the area.
NTSP is offering a 3 day training package to all members of the sporting and physical activity community – sports clubs, coaches, volunteers, leisure centre staff, fitness class instructors and tutors, teachers, parents etc. This offer includes:
A SafeTALK “Suicide Alertness for Everyone” workshop on Saturday 9th February 2013.
At this workshop, learn how to provide basic and practical help to persons with thoughts of suicide. It prepares you to be a suicide alert helper and provides you with the awareness that opportunities to help someone at risk are often missed, dismissed and avoided. It also teaches you the awareness of TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep-safe) and the ability to activate a suicide alert. As part of keep-safe, you connect the person with thoughts of suicide to someone trained in suicide intervention (ASIST). The ASIST carer completes the helping process or connects the person to further supports.
Donna Duffield will also present and discuss the benefits of physical activity for mental well-being and detail her experience in this area.
A 2 day Peer Support and Self Advocacy training course on Saturday, the 16th & 23rd February 2013
Peer support is about people supporting each other on an equal level in respect to their well-being. Self-Advocacy occurs when an individual speaks up for his or her own rights and what is important to them. On conclusion of this course, the participant should be able to recognise their ability to give and accept peer support, develop an awareness of the core principles of peer support & self-advocacy, list the core skills used in both, demonstrate through practice the core skills of both and be able to advocate on their own behalf. Self-care and boundaries are also key components of the course.
All training will take place in Áras Folláin, Nenagh from 9.30am – 3.30pm. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance on successful completion of the training. All participants must be over 18 and there will be a small fee of €5 for refreshments.
With Tipperary Link 4 Life, North Tipperary can unite to take action to improve the mental well-being of its community.
Places are limited. To book a place or for further information, contact Elaine Cullinan, Sharon McLoughney or Tara Warren on 067-43604 or e-mail info@ntsp.ie before Tuesday 5th February 2013.
