On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, observed September 10, Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc. has collaborated with the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health to conduct a one day awareness and training programme in the effort to increase awareness on the whole issue of suicide.
Unless the root cause of the cancerous plague of suicide is thoroughly explored and addressed, local efforts will remain a drop in the ocean. Suicide and attempted suicide closely linked to gender-based violence and the worst forms of child abuse continue to spread like wild fire in Region Six, Corentyne. It must be noted that recently young children and teenagers also view this social issue as the “easy way out”.
Too many times it has been pointed out that unless ineffective parenting skills and substance abuse are seriously addressed we will continue to lose our people to suicide. These two areas have been identified time and time again, as contributing significantly to domestic violence. And yes, there is that negative, cultural acceptable norm of our upbringing that continues to fuel gender-based violence and suicide. “Shame” is the big word that prevents families from discussing their difficulties and seeking counselling.
Roadside was initially invited to organize and plan for 15 participants but because of the seriousness of what is happening on the Corentyne, as it relates to suicide and attempted suicide, negotiation with the Ministry of Health, through Rosemarie Terberg, resulted in Roadside given the opportunity to mobilize 20 participants.
the participants were religious leaders, representatives from the probation department, East Berbice Life Savers Club, Berbice Male Action Network, youths from the group trained as peer educators in the area of gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS, school welfare officers, Ministry of Health and the Domestic Violence Counselling Centre.
It was quite an interactive session. Facilitators Rosemarie Terberg Lewis, Robert Singh, Angela Correia and Audrey Schultz were all well-prepared. Their presentations were followed by a barrage of questions which led to additional discussions. Handouts were readily available for the participants. The team of facilitators must be commended for their punctuality and diligence.
Some of the topics discussed were pillars for building self-esteem, suicide risk factors and risk situations, anger management and suicide prevention- warning signs of suicidal behaviour.
At the conclusion of the day, participants expressed great satisfaction for the wealth of new information gleaned. Some admitted that they had no clue as to the many factors that surround the issue of suicide and that they would never again ask a suicidal person why he/she wants to commit suicide. Instead they would steer the discussion to generate discussions on issues affecting suicidal persons. They were encouraged to share the information with as many as possible and to continue their efforts at the community level to prevent suicide.
Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc. expresses gratitude to the team of facilitators and to the Ministry of Health for the opportunity to be used as a medium to increase awareness on suicide prevention. Appreciation is also expressed to the volunteers who worked industriously with this project.
For more information on the centre’s programmes call 338-4215/4213. (Submitted by Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre)
