Year: 2007 Source: 54p. SIEC No: 20080058

SafeTALK is a new programme from LivingWorks Education. A 6 month pilot of safeTALK was initiated by the Choose Life National Implementation Support Team (NIST) in June 2006. An assessment of the perceived relevance and quality of the course was required prior to implementing a Scotland wide programme of training. The Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health (SDC) was commissioned by NIST to evaluate the pilot introduction of safeTALK to Scotland and assess the implications for further roll-out of safeTALK. SafeTALK is a half-day training programme, which can be used either as a stand alone or as a precursor for ASIST training. It has an awareness and training focus and teaches participants to recognise and engage persons who might be having thoughts of suicide and to connect them with community resources trained in suicide intervention. The overarching aims of the evaluation of safeTALK were to ascertain the views and expectations of key stakeholders of safeTALK and perceptions on relevance and use of safeTALK. The evidence from the pilot evaluation suggests that SafeTALK can achieve its goals and from evaluation participants indicated that these objectives were largely achieved.