SafeTalk Suicide Prevention Published Sept. 10, 2009 By Kim Smith 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Those who are at risk for suicide are very important to the Air Force, so important in fact that the Lakenheath Chapel staff will host SafeTalk suicide intervention training on Sep. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. SafeTalk is a suicide prevention program designed to equip servicemembers and base personnel with the skills to recognize the signs of suicide and effective intervention methods so they can help save lives. "None of us know when one of our valuable Airmen may be at risk, but taking this course will give individuals the confidence they need to aid our at-risk Airmen and families," said Chaplain (Capt.) Richard Holmes, 48th Fighter Wing Chapel chaplain and director of the SafeTalk program. SafeTalk is a three-hour course held at the Lakenheath Chapel on the third Thursday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is included. The program was established several years ago and is based on the concepts of the Living Works program, which has been around for 10 years. It is organized through the chapel with the support of several outstanding NCO's and Senior NCOs, who have been trained to instruct those in need. "Unfortunately, we have lost some great members of our team, and we want to minimize the risks because people are too valuable," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Bruce Arnold, 48th Fighter Wing Chapel chaplain and co-director of SafeTalk. The Lakenheath Chapel team has invested a lot of time and energy in this program in order to prepare as many Airmen as they can to become suicide alert helpers. "We want to encourage Airmen to make the most of their valuable lives," said Chaplain Holmes. "SafeTalk is open to all base personnel, to include teachers, spouses and all servicemembers." Chaplain Arnold added that all supervisors are highly encouraged take this course. "A good supervisor could almost make suicide a thing of the past," conveyed Chaplain Arnold. Chaplain Holmes chimed in agreement and emphasized the importance of SafeTalk. "This program is important because it provides attendees meaningful training to make a difference in our base community and try to prevent at risk individuals from committing suicide," stated Chaplin Holmes. Another one of SafeTalk's objectives is "safety in confidence", which means providing Airmen and base personnel with the confidence of seeking help without backlash or stigma that it is a sign of weakness to ask for help. "There are many people across our base who have been trained in SafeTalk who are ready, willing and available to make sure that our irreplaceable Airmen get the help that they need," Chaplain Holmes. If Airmen know someone is at risk for committing suicide, both chaplains agree they should not be afraid to reach out and offer to help. They also say that no one should have to carry the burden by himself and encourage those considering suicide to seek help. "Help to make suicide and the stigma of suicide a thing of the past by reaching out to one another and by asking for help," Chaplain Arnold. Other base agencies available to help include: Mental Health, Family Advocacy, and the Military Family Life Consultants. According to the chaplains, SafeTalk's ultimate vision and mission is to not allow another valuable Air Force member to take their life unnecessarily, and say this concept spans from the lowest-ranking Airman to Chiefs and Generals. "We are all at risk," said Chaplain Arnold. "No one should ever be forced to choose between their career and getting help."