Siaradwn Ni
Siaradwn Ni Second Annual Conference
Friday 18th March 2011 at The Orangery, Margam Park, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ
Chairperson – Mary Burrows, Co-Chair – Mental Health Mangement Board
Keynote speakers include Kirsty Williams AM Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Bethan Jenkins AM (Chair of Cross Party Working Group on Eating Disorders), Shehla Khan EYST Manager.
The conference will focus on raising awareness and encourage the finding of solutions.
FREE! Early booking recommended.
Further information can be found on the following website www.mhmwales.org
Applied Suicide Interventions Skills Training
One of the key components of the project is the provision of ASIST training locally. ASIST is a two day training course which has been developed and refined over 25 years by Livingworks Education in Canada. It is based on best practice, up to date research and effective teaching methods. This element of the Siaradwn Ni project is to be delivered by Mind Cymru.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is a two day workshop that offers intensive training for front-line workers and community members. The emphasis is on teaching suicide first-aid to help a person at risk stay safe and seek further help as needed. ASIST provides practical training for caregivers seeking to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.
The course is offered free of charge as part of the Siaradwn Ni – Let’s Talk project funded by the Big Lottery to people who live or work in Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.
This includes:
- training workbook/materials
- Suicide Intervention Manual.
- certificate of attendance
Please note that in order to receive a certificate at the end of the course one needs to attend the full two days - from 9.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m. both days.
For further information about the Siaradwn Ni project or ASIST Training being held in Neath Port Talbot, please contact Neath Port Talbot CVS on 01639 631246.
Men and Mental Health conference
A fast moving and participative programme was the hall mark of the inaugural conference of the Siardwn Ni – Let’s Talk project.
The conference brought together people from politics, the health services and the voluntary sector. The interaction of representatives from Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot services with many diverse organizations was innovative and invigorating to all involved.
Speakers highlighted issues relating to men and mental health with entertaining and informative presentations. The First Minister, Carwyn Jones, was on the platform along with Phil Chick, Dr Tegwyn Williams, Dr. Brian Gibbons, and Andy McAnn. The audience were also highly appreciate of the speeches made by service users.
Summing up Phil Chick said: “We’ve heard some very positive things……….that re-inforces the work that you’re doing here which is taking a community approach to improving the lives of the men that work and live in the community that you serve.”
All delegates engaged enthusiastically in workshops. Siardwn Ni intends that workshop outcomes will enlighten and change mental health policy and delivery in Wales. The First Minister has asked specifically for the conference report to be fed into the Welsh Assembly Government. Detailed feedback is available from the Mental Health Wales web site www.mhmwales.org.
An over-arching outcome from the conference was the call to make immediate changes to ensure that mental health services are more responsive to men. There was clear consensus on the needs for local mental health services to be more male friendly. Young men in particular are less likely to seek help for mental health problems. A second message derived from the strong agreement of delegates that there is a gap in specific training for mental health professionals on men and mental health.
The conference, organized by Mental Health Matters Wales, was a great success. It brought together 84 conference delegates and service users, representation from 25 organisations and the presence of local councilors and Assembly Members. The key messages will be taken to the Welsh Assembly Government, Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot mental health services and voluntary organizations.
2011 Conference.
We are thrilled that the Siaradwn Ni Conference is planned for March 2011 in Margam Orangery, Port Talbot. The theme of the conference is Women and Mental Health and will be co-chaired by AM’s Bethan Jenkins [ who chairs the Cross Party Eating Disorder Group for Wales] and Kirsty Williams .
For further information please contact the Information/Communications Officer at Mental Health Matters Wales. Tel. 01656 767045. Email: info@mhmwales.org
Will you accept the Siaradwn Ni Challenge?
Last year 174 people in Neath Port Talbot accepted our challenge.
Just as “CPR” skills make physical first aid possible, training in suicide intervention develops the skills used in suicide first aid.
In Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend we know there are many problems people may struggle to deal with that can make life look bleak. That’s where the Siaradwn Ni Project can help.
The challenge
Every year in Wales roughly twice as many people die by suicide than are killed in road traffic accidents. For every suicide, there may be up to 100 times more who are injured by non-fatal suicidal behaviours.
In any year, an estimated 5% of the population have serious thoughts of suicide. (Samaritans)
How can we prevent further deaths and injuries? How can we support people to choose life when something prevents them from seeing a way forward?
After suicide
Many more people are left to live on, their lives permanently affected by suicide, wishing they could have said or done something to prevent an avoidable death happening.
The opportunity
Most people considering suicide share their distress and their intent. Training can help us see and respond to these invitations to help. It can give you the confidence to ask about suicide if you are concerned about someone’s safety. It can provide you with the tools to help prevent the immediate risk of suicide.
What people say……
o ‘Very important first aid to be armed with, both personally and professionally.’
o ‘Presentation was professional and sensitively handled. Extremely thorough and very informative.’
o ‘Well delivered and thought out workshop.’
o Very practical and supportive structure.’
o Whether you would like to train as an individual or your group involves young people, adults or older people, male, female or specific interest, workforce or faith you can help us by taking part in ASIST suicide First Aid training. This is free of charge to anyone living or working in Neath Port Talbot.
