Suicide can have a shattering effect on a workplace, however a special training programme aimed at suicide prevention and safeguarding workers is to be hosted by suicide prevention charity, Console, later this month.

According to the charity's director of services, Ciaran Austin, ‘the tragic and shattering reality of suicide can have a profound effect on the workplace as it is a community where people spend up to half their waking hours and often form important relationships'.

The training programme aims to help employers respond in an informed and compassionate way when a workplace is affected by this issue.

"It also looks at suicide prevention and how employers and colleagues can recognise the warning signs of a suicide crisis and learn the skills that could help save a co-workers life. There is often a sense of fear or trepidation around this issue in our places of work that prevents people from looking for help, or helping others who may be bereaved by suicide," Mr Austin explained.

He said that it takes courage to speak about this issue, but saying nothing ‘only reinforces those fears and anxieties', adding to the stress of those affected.

"As well as prevention, the training programme looks at how employers can deal effectively with situations involving the death of an employee and also at how to help a staff member who has been affected by the suicide of someone close to them," Mr Austin said.

Research indicates that when employers handle these sensitive issues in the right way, ‘there is a positive impact on staff in terms of their reaction to the loss and the long-term effect it has on them'.

The programme is aimed at employers, human resource managers and any other professionals who would like to be able to respond appropriately in the event of a death by suicide involving a colleague.

The course will run from 10am to 4.30pm on Friday, November 15, at the Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin. The fee is €75 per person and everyone will receive a certificate of attendance.

For more information on booking a place, call Console's head office on (01) 610 2638 or log onto console.ie.