A free online suicide prevention training programme has been launched on this World Suicide Prevention Day. 

Ohana ZERO Suicide offers a 20-minute online training programme focused on breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations. 

The course teaches users to identify when someone may be suicidal, employ the correct language in asking the appropriate questions, and direct that person to the appropriate help. 

Some 1.4 million people in the UK have been trained using Ohana since it was introduced during the pandemic. 

The training was originally developed by suicide prevention expert Jane Boland and former Chair of the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide Angela Samata. 

Ohana was launched in Mansion House in Dublin City today. 

'Saves lives and take the training'

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí De Róiste said Ohana is aimed at third level students and can be accessed at colleges throughout the country. 

“Our message to people today is help save lives and take the training today,” he said. 

Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day and aims to encourage more conversations and support around mental health. 

The global theme for 2023 is ‘Creating Hope through Action’. 

'Even a single conversation can make a big difference'

Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler said in a statement released today that “even a single conversation can make a big difference”. 

“Preventing the tragedy of suicide remains a key priority and we will continue to support our colleagues in the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention and their community partners to ensure that the resources are available to continue their valuable work.” 

HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention Head John Meehan said World Suicide Prevention Day is an “important time to acknowledge and remember lives that have been sadly lost to suicide in Ireland”. 

“It is also a time to spotlight the services, supports and projects that the HSE work on with many different agencies, nationally and locally. 

“In particular the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention draws attention to the wide range of free and accessible training programmes, available in communities nationwide.” 

National helplines available: 

Samaritans: 116 123 all-day, seven days a week 

Pieta House: Freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 

Text About It, anonymous text service: Text HELLO to 50808