Light members of the volunteer group Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS) Guyana, recently concluded a two-week suicide prevention training workshop in New York, United States, and radio interviews where they were able to raise funds for the organisation.
The training focused on Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) which is an intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help persons recognise, and review risks, and intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.
The trainers of this workshop are certified by Living Works, INC as accomplished practitioners in suicide prevention, intervention and post-attention.
In addition to the training and workshop, the director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline arranged for POTS to visit and conduct a radio interview which raised approximately US$2000, which will aid in their continuous school outreach.
According to the suicide prevention organisation, these workshops and training assisted its members and volunteers in becoming more efficient and effective in undertaking various duties and is beneficial as they continue our journey to eradicating suicide in Guyana.
Vice president Ruth English-Wilson described the overall experience as “wonderful yet challenging”. “(I) appreciated the way in which the training helped me in learning new ways to tackle suicidal situations when someone is speaking to you in an indirect manner.”
She further added: “The workshops taught the group that many challenges will be faced ahead, however, they should all be strong-minded to tackle them,” she expressed.
Ravindra Mohandeo, Operations Advisor and Manager of Tour Committee, described his training experience a, “tremendous one”. He said he gained a lot from the exposure and he was truly grateful for the opportunity. Mohandeo further explained: “I was given the opportunity to share some of our stories and experiences from victims we dealt with in the past and also share ways in which we dealt with these cases. In addition, I was also thought new ways on how to deal with these victims, apart from refreshing myself from the knowledge and information that was previously thought to me.”
The POTS delegation also visited the New York Mental Health Unit Helpline and was shown the procedure under which they receive calls. The POTS team was enlightened on the technology behind the system and the extent to which the calls are received.
POTS-GUY is a non-profit organisation founded by Guyanese-born Lisa Punch.
The organisation will launch its new campaign next year, targeting Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) communities.
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