A ‘Soul Safe’ community

TORRINGTON – In a proactive effort to create a web of support for those who feel as if they’re falling through the cracks, a local church is offering free suicide prevention training to the community later this month.
First Wyoming United Presbyterian Church (FWUPC) of Torrington has enlisted the help of Soul Shop ™ – a nationally known organization that provides the tools to create a “life-saving culture” through training and support to community leaders and other interested individuals, according to its website (www.soulshopmovement.org).
Soul Shop ™ strives to establish a “Soul Safe” community, or “one that addresses suicidal desperation as a regular aspect of its life and work.”
“By normalizing suicidal desperation as a facet of the human experience, persons can begin to give voice to their hopes and fears,” the website states.
The idea to bring Soul Shop ™ to Goshen County began after former FWUPC Pastor Vickie Kintzel and FWUPC Youth Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adult Ministries Kate Morrison attended a full-day workshop in Denver, Colo. in January.

“(The workshop) helped to equip us for interaction with persons having a hard time in life, with factual background information, specific skill practice, and the chance to talk about the topic in a safe space,” Kintzel said in an email. “We are hoping and helping to build a web of protection for persons in our lives who are, have, or will deal with suicidal desperation (whether or not they ever actually make a self-
harming action).”
The workshops, geared toward individuals who have not recently dealt with suicidal desperation personally or professionally, will be led by an expert from Soul Shop.
The first event is Sunday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dubbed CAST, or Community Awareness Suicide Training, the goal of the initial workshop is to being working in the larger community to create a network of support for the desperate, according to a press release. This community-oriented program is designed to increase awareness of the danger of suicide and discuss the steps that can be taken to reduce risks. Attendees, including parents, police and public safety officers, nurses, teachers and concerned citizens, are encouraged to ask questions about suicide, learn about its prevalence in the community and get more engaged with becoming a part of the solution.
The following day, Monday, Sept. 25, training lasts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch included. Monday’s event is designed to equip youth pastors, youth leaders, camp directors and others who work with youth impacted by suicidal desperation. The training includes background and practice for attendees in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, the creation of resources for group use, and an invitation to those who have been touched by suicidal desperation in the past to share their stories.
Both events are held at FWUPC at 2972 Main St. No specific faith background is required, nor will a particular faith background be promoted.
All are welcome. The event is free of charge, however RSVPs are appreciated to ensure enough food.
Kintzel said the information presented is similar to the QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) suicide prevention training recently made available to school personnel.
“Suicidal desperation is real in our world, and close to home,” she said. “It is often hard to even think about, much less talk about with other persons. Yet – if we don’t prepare ourselves when our community is not in a crisis, we won’t be ready when we face it.”
To register, please contact Morrison at pastorkatem@gmail.com or by phone at (307) 532-2972.