In the framework of Suicide Prevention Month, which is commemorated this September, San Mateo County offers free workshops with the purpose of helping those who go through vulnerable moments that can lead them to make an attempt on their lives.
The free, two-hour workshops, themed “Be Sensitive, Be Courageous for Suicide Prevention,” are hosted by San Mateo County Libraries under the auspices of County Health.
Maybe you have a friend or loved one who talks about feeling hopeless or has intense anxiety. Or they are using more and more drugs, alcohol or both, along with mood swings and risky behaviors.
To this end, the workshops will help you: identify signs of suicide, ask if someone is considering suicide with sensitivity and confidence, connect people with appropriate support, and approach suicide prevention in a culturally sensitive way.
The workshops are open to everyone of high school age and above. It is registration required.
It is worth noting that teens may receive service credit for attending trainings, depending on their schools' guidelines.
The workshops are among numerous events and courses offered during September, which is Suicide Prevention Month in San Mateo County.
“We can all help prevent suicide,” said Jei Africa, director of the county’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. “Research shows that acknowledging and asking about suicide in a supportive and caring way can reduce the risk of suicide. This is why we are focusing on efforts to educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, but more importantly, how to connect people with the right resources.”
Sessions at San Mateo County Libraries are:
Monday, September 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Woodside
Wednesday, September 13th, 6:00-8:00 pm in East Palo Alto
Saturday, September 16th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in San Carlos
Monday, September 18, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Pacifica Sharp Park
Wednesday, September 20th, 6:00-8:00 pm in Portola Valley
Thursday, September 21, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Millbrae
Monday, September 25, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Belmont
Wednesday, September 27th, 6:00-8:00 pm in Atherton
Thursday, September 28, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Half Moon Bay
If you know someone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, get free, confidential crisis support 24/7: Call 988 (the suicide and crisis lifeline) or 650-579-0350 or text 988.
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