Schools, colleges and educational settings are communities where connection, understanding and support can make a real difference to people’s wellbeing.
For teachers, staff, parents and students, having access to reliable information and knowing how to respond when someone is struggling are key to fostering supportive communities.
3Ts (Turn the Tide) is a registered charity working to raise awareness of mental health and help reduce suicides through research, education and advocacy. Since its foundation in 2003, 3Ts has developed a range of free mental health and suicide prevention resources designed to inform and support individuals, families, communities and organisations.
Accessible information
3Ts website http://www.3ts.ie provides accessible information on a range of mental health topics, including guidance on recognising when someone may be experiencing difficulties, providing support and accessing further help, including a comprehensive directory of crisis helplines and specialist support services.
A range of free 3Ts Self-Help Guides are available to read online, download as PDFs or listen by audio.
Developed in conjunction with clinical psychologists, the guides provide practical information and exercises on topics including depression, self-harm, anxiety, panic, stress and more.
The charity’s “3 Steps to Help Prevent Suicide” wallet cards are another practical and free resource. Regularly included in college fresher packs, the pocket-size guides give tips on recognising signs, knowing what to say and where to find support. “Know the Signs, Know the Words, Know your Supports”.
Awareness-raising
Building the confidence to have safe conversations about mental health and suicide is important in fostering supportive educational environments. 3Ts has extensive experience working with colleges nationwide on awareness-raising activities and delivering safeTALK Suicide Alertness workshops free of charge to staff and students.
safeTALK is a half day, internationally recognised training programme that teaches participants to recognise when someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, how to approach the conversation with confidence and connect them with appropriate support. It is useful for teachers, education and auxiliary staff, parents, student support teams and third level students aged 18+. Certain professions are eligible to claim CPD points for attending.
Open conversations
By increasing awareness, reducing fear and stigma and encouraging open conversations, safeTALK helps communities become better prepared to support someone who may be going through a difficult time.
To book a safeTALK session, order 3Steps Wallet Cards or find out more about the free resources available from 3Ts, contact the team on 01 213 9905, email info@3ts.ie or visit www.3ts.ie.
Registered charity no 20054878.
