A SUICIDE intervention expert is holding a free suicide first aid skills workshop tonight for St Helens residents at Momo's Coffee Shop to help tackle the problem facing our community.
Mum-of-one Andrea Newton, from Blackbrook, decided to lend her skills to her hometown after reading the report in last week’s Star highlighting that St Helens has the fourth highest suicide rate in England.
The 51-year-old, who has more than 20 years experience as a Suicide Intervention Trainer, has already hosted sessions for employers in the community to find out how they can help employees, but now wants other residents to have help too.
She said: “Following the success of the previous sessions, I am running this free workshop which is open to anyone who lives in our town - parent, volunteer, employee - whatever your status.
"If you care enough to have a courageous conversations with someone who is having thoughts of suicide, you are welcome to attend.
"I am on a mission to tackle the taboo and shatter the silence that can kill."
The event will be held from 6pm and will last for around 90 minutes.
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