FAQs for organizations interested in using safeTALK

Why was safeTALK developed?

safeTALK is a new LivingWorks’ suicide alertness program that teaches community members to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and to connect them to suicide intervention resources. safeTALK is our response to a long-known need for:

a short program (2.5–3.5 hours)
taught by one trainer with groups of up to 30 participants
to learn abilities that complement the work of ASIST and other intervention-trained caregivers

What is safeTALK?

safeTALK prepares community members of all kinds to be suicide alert helpers in only a few hours. safeTALK participants are aware that opportunities to help a person with thoughts of suicide are sometimes missed, dismissed and avoided. They want persons with thoughts to invite their help. They know the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe) and can activate a suicide alert. As a part of the KeepSafe step, they connect persons with thoughts to persons trained in suicide intervention. Helpers trained in suicide intervention complete the helping process or link the person with more specialized help.

Why should my organization use safeTALK?

safeTALK is your way to maximize your investment in ASIST training. safeTALK and ASIST complement each other. ASIST caregivers complete the process that safeTALK helpers start. The more people who are suicide alert, the more the skills of those trained in suicide intervention will be used. Together, these two programs provide a cost-effective way to ensure that more persons at risk are recognized and receive the help they want.

A carefully crafted set of helping steps and the use of creative educational processes make it possible for up to 30 people in your community to leave safeTALK willing and able to be suicide alert helpers. safeTALK is the result of work that began in 1983 in developing useful suicide prevention abilities in a short program.

Educationally, safeTALK "fits" with ASIST. It uses compatible language and concepts. Both flow from the same assumptions about persons at risk and about the helping process. The attention to helper attitudes and respect for persons at risk dominates both. The balance between safety and challenge, structure and openness are other common elements.

safeTALK—and its very important video clips—can be customized to increase the success of safeTALK in your particular community. The sample clips below require QuickTime Player which can be downloaded from www.apple.com/quicktime.

Scene 1 as shown in the standard training

One of the alternatives for Scene 1

ASIST-trained helpers provide backup at safeTALK trainings and represent living examples of intervention help that suicide alert helpers can use. The concluding section of ASIST encourages support for safeTALK training and for working with connections from suicide alert helpers. Suicide-safer networking is built into both programs.

The roles of both the suicide alert and ASIST helpers are valued. While some taking safeTALK will also want to take ASIST, many will be content with the contribution they can make as a suicide alert helper.

What are LivingWorks costs for providing safeTALK training?

Each safeTALK participant receives a wallet card reminder of the TALK steps, two reusable stickers identifying the participant’s willingness and ability to help, a 24-page resource book and a certificate. Each resource kit costs $5.50 when purchased in packages of 100; $6.50 for smaller orders. safeTALK is for everyone and the pricing reflects that principle.

What is involved in instructing trainers to conduct safeTALK?

Both ASIST trainers and caregivers who have participated in an ASIST workshop may be eligible to become safeTALK trainers. (For more information, see Essential information for safeTALK Trainer Candidates.) There are three parts to becoming a safeTALK trainer:

A web-based pre-session study component using a study guide, the safeTALK Trainer Manual, a training slides outline and a streaming video demonstration of most parts of safeTALK.
A one-day, onsite orientation with you and up to nine other candidates or a distance education experience with up to 2.5 hours of consultation time with a safeTALK instructor by webcam, phone or e-mail in small groups or individually. Other options approved by the Director of Training are also possible. We strongly recommend the in-person learning experience as it provides opportunity for direct coaching and practice.
LivingWorks will review your participant feedback and trainer reports for first three trainings and have your instructor contact you when needed. Your instructor may set up additional follow up procedures.

How much does safeTALK training cost?

The cost for trainer material is $220.00 (shipping and handling and taxes not included) and consists of:

a DVD with the safeTALK demonstration and with two locked-in, remote-control operated version of the safeTALK training slides (with and without the co-trainer)
additional tools to help you get started and assess your progress
web information to access various forms and a number of brochures and information documents

An onsite learning experience for 6 to 10 candidates average $5, 000.00 if a safeTALK instructor has to travel to the site if the instructor lives in the local area cost may vary, contact info@livingworks for a quote. There will be some additional local organizing costs depending on meeting space, equipment and refreshments cost.

Imagine the contribution that only a few safeTALK trainers can make to a suicide-safer community. One trainer can train 60 people in your community to be suicide alert helpers in one day doing back-to-back safeTALKs.

Suicide alert helpers are part of a suicide-safer community. For more information about safeTALK in your community, contact LivingWorks.