DEALING WITH SUICIDE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2019 :: RMTnews 28 I work at Watford Junction Train Station as a Platform Assistant. My job, day to day, is dealing with customers and it has given me an insight to dealing with people. However, I always felt I could do more to help me in my role. I noticed a two-day pilot course in RMT News to be held at the Bob Crow National Education Centre in Doncaster. It was called Managing Suicidal Contacts and Trauma Support Training by Samaritans. I really wanted to go as I knew this course would be important and beneficial to me, the company I work for, my colleagues and the customers. My aim was to get a better understanding and initiative for my role and to give more support through training for helping people who find themselves in situations that can be preventable. The first day was Trauma Support Training which looked at how railway staff can be supported after a fatality or other traumatic incidents. This course teaches you and provides advice on how you can be supported. It breaks down step by step learning tools for self help strategies and support. The second day was Managing Suicidal Contacts which promotes skills and confidence and also to recognise and engage with potentially suicidal people. This course gave an insight to suicidal awareness and signs of intent. Both these courses were informative, engaging and it really helped me become more aware and also the confidence to approach someone in need of help. Confidence is a key ingredient. These courses are tailored for all employees across the railway industry. I'm really glad I attended and I would like to thank RMT for providing facilities for the course, both of the Samaritan trainers Jason and Chris and also the amazing RMT group of people I did the course with. They were all very supportive, positively sharing experiences and ideas. DEALING WITH SUICIDE RMT member Fiona Flavien reports on the first union course on dealing with suicides PICCADILLY AWARD R MT regional organiser John Leach presented a 40-year award to BR Patel, a stalwart of the union. BR reminded branch in his acceptance speech of the need for unity and how the union has represented him and others over the years and been the backbone of the workplace for years.