ISRAEL: Teens to Train in Suicide Prevention
September 16, 2016
Approximately 2,000 members of the Israeli National Service and Council of Youth Movements are slated to receive gatekeeper training to identify and assist those at risk for suicide. The Shomrei Hasaf (Gatekeepers) program will be rolled out across the country in an effort to reduce suicide rates among children and adolescents starting this year. According to the Council of Youth Movements, peer-to-peer counseling is optimal because of the closeness in age and common cultural experiences that members tend to share. Council Secretary General Naftali Deri said, “It’s important to give the counselors the tools to identify those at risk and to refer those under stress to authorities who can help them. It’s good that the ministries recognized the abilities of youth movement counselors.”
Spark Extra! Find out more about youth gatekeeper programs.