The Irish Association of suicidology has focused on suicide prevention in schools in six national conferences in aimed at increasing awareness of suicide, suicidal behaviour and suicide prevention tailored to the needs of teachers and school guidance counsellors. The conferences have been of interest to parents and youth organisations.

Schools have a critical role to play in suicide prevention in identifying students who may be at risk for suicide and referring them to the appropriate resources. In addition teaching life and problem solving skills, promoting positive mental health and self esteem equip students to cope with the trials and tribulations of later life and choose life rather suicide.

The conference is topical and timely particularly in the light of the fact that a survey on Attitudes to Suicide in Ireland North and South commissioned by the Irish Association of Suicidology earlier this year showed that young men aged 15 - 34 years of age do not know about support services they could turn to when feeling suicidal. A significant number of people continue to believe the myths relating to suicide.

The conference will cover the following topics

-- Teaching students how to get help
-- Teaching student how to respond to their peers who are suicidal
-- Techniques for interviewing students who may be suicidal
-- Responding to a suicidal crisis in schools
-- Social personal health education
-- Diagnosing and managing behavioural problems
-- Drama as a healing tool in schools
-- Substance misuse
-- Male reluctance to seek help
-- Child sexual abuse

This conference is exciting and innovative in exploring all aspects of suicidal behaviour and the school's role in suicide prevention. It will update our knowledge through lectures and many interactive workshops by speakers from Ireland and abroad have vast experience in suicide prevention in the school setting.

Sligo Park Hotel
29th November to 1st December 2006

Irish Association of Suicidology
16 New Antrim St
Castlebar
Co. Mayo
Ireland
Tel + 353 (0)94 9250858
Fax + 353 (0)94 9250859
ias.ie