National Office for Suicide Prevention SafeTALK Training for Veterinary Premises

Further to the Report on the Mental Health of Veterinary Professions in Ireland published in April 2022, the Veterinary Council has partnered with the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (“NOSP”) to organise the delivery of training nationwide to promote awareness of mental health and the available supports.

safeTALK is an internationally recognised half-day training programme that prepares participants to recognise and engage with people who may be having thoughts of suicide and to connect them to suicide first aid resources.

Following three pilot sessions in 2022, the safeTALK training will now be available nationwide with the first training sessions having taken place in Co Kerry on 9 and 10 October 2023. Further training sessions are taking place in Co Cork, Co Dublin and Co Mayo in November 2023.

The safeTALK training on mental health and suicide awareness is free of charge, but please note pre-registration is required. The training is open to all veterinary practitioners, veterinary nurses and veterinary practice staff. Please see below for details on the upcoming safeTALK training:

Cork
Date: Wednesday, 15th November 2023
Time: 1.30pm-5.00pm
Location: Vienna Woods Hotel, Tivoli, Glanmire, Co. Cork, T45 V065
Registration Link: https://bookwhen.com/suicidepreventiontrainingcork

Dublin
Date: Wednesday, 15th November 2023
Time: 1.30pm-5.00pm
Location: Carmelite Community Centre, 56 Aungier Street, Dublin 2, D02 T258
​Password: VCIDUB (the password is case sensitive)
Registration Link: Please book here.

Mayo
Date: Wednesday, 29th November 2023
Time: 1.30pm-5.00pm
Location: The Ellison, Lannagh Road, Garryduff, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 V279
Password: VCIMAYO (the password is case sensitive)
Registration Link: Please book here.

We encourage you and your team to avail of this training initiative, and please note that early booking of your preferred training date is advised. We remain available to you by phone on 01 6684402 or by e-mail at pas@vci.ie should you have any queries in relation to this correspondence. We thank you for your interest and support in this important training initiative to support the health and well being of the veterinary professions in Ireland.