ORDINARY IRISH CITIZENS have been training in CPR to save lives for years and, more recently, defibrillator lessons have been provided to all manner of people – not just healthcare professionals.

With the country’s suicide rate growing year-on-year, charity Console says it is important for everyone to recognises the warning signs of a suicide crisis.

“Question, persuade and refer (QPR) are three simple steps that anyone can quickly learn to help save a life from suicide,” explains founder and CEO Paul Kelly.

The organisation has encouraged people to participate in suicide prevention training to help stem the crisis.

As there is already “huge demand” to become a so-called gatekeeper, a second date (28 May) has been added to the programmes being run at UCD.

“People considering suicide often feel very isolated and alone,” continues Kelly. “They may feel that nobody can help them or understand their pain.

“When unable to see any other way of dealing with pain, suicide may seem to be a way out.”

A QPR-trained gatekeeper learns how to recognise the warning signs of suicide, knows how to offer hope and also how to offer to save a life. They can be healthcare professionals, parents, friends, neighbours, teachers, priests, work colleagues, gardaí, social workers or others who are strategically positioned to recognise and refer someone at risk.

Details of the one-day course can be found here.

Helplines:

• Samaritans 1850 60 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org

• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634

• Console 1800 201 890

• Aware 1890 303 302

• Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie

• Childline 1800 66 66 66

Senator: Tax the smartphone, and use the money for suicide prevention

The new Carlow jersey supports suicide awareness

Thousands pay tribute to teen ‘warrior and inspiration’ Donal Walsh