QPR: First Aid for Mental Health
Suicide is a very sensitive topic and most people don’t like to talk about it. The problem is that this issue is one of the top three causes of death in ages 15 – 24 and people over 65. It is important that students are able to talk about suicide because that is the first step in helping a friend at risk. Being able to talk about it isn’t just for personal counsellors, it is a skill that everyone needs. Situations can arise with family, friends, in the workplace… anywhere.
Christine Jackiw and Nathan Cooper from the Centre for Student Development are running monthly courses on suicide awareness and prevention called QPR (Question, Persuade & Refer). This 1.5 hour course is essentially a first aid/CPR course for mental health. Through the course you will gain a better understanding of suicide, people at risk, how to detect cues, and appropriate methods of application through active learning and resources. Having these basic skills give you a chance to help a friend, create a healthy workplace and potentially save a life. The QPR initiative at McMaster University has been funded by student services and is free of charge.
Please register if you or any of your friends are interested in what this course has to offer.
http://csd.mcmaster.ca/events/register/
Wed. November 12, 2008, 11 to 12:30
Wed. December 10, 2008, 11 to 12:30
Fri. January 23, 2009, 11 to 12:30
Fri. February 20, 2009, 11 to 12:30
Fri. March 20, 2009, 11 to 12:30
Fri. April 24, 2009, 11 to 12:30
