SPS is dedicated to the mission of reducing and eliminating suicide and suicide attempts through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Click here to learn how SPS Began.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), which is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (NSPL, the 273-8255 number) standard for suicide intervention training. That training was developed by Livingworks: http://www.livingworks.net/
Depression Screening: Since untreated depression is a major contributor to suicide, free depression screening is offered year round to anyone. Children from age 6 and above can be screened. This has often been the first step in the process. Many clients have told SPS that being able to walk through the door, have the screening done, and get help, has been the first step in a successful journey out of depression.
Depression Hotline: Our empathic paraprofessionals are trained to counsel callers with any personal problems, such as anxiety, alcohol, family, school, and sexuality, and are prepared to work with the lonely, the depressed, and the suicidal.
Information and Referral: Operators provide information about the availability of social services of a health or mental health nature in Kane County, Illinois. 1-800-SUICIDE
Emergency Service: Operators are trained to help people through such emergencies as attempted suicide, drug overdose, and psychotic episodes.
SPS Care Calls: Volunteer operators call or visit shut-ins daily or on specific pre-arranged days to check on their well-being. Buddy Calls are provided free of charge on either a temporary or long-term basis.
Who are SPS Hotline Operators? Our hotline volunteer paraprofessionals are concerned community members from every social, economic, and educational background. Volunteer paraprofessionals are taught about emergency procedures, telephone counseling techniques and methods of providing social service information. Lectures cover topics such as basic psychology, suicide, psychotherapeutic techniques, drugs, alcohol, rape, incest, domestic violence, and adolescent and family problems. During the training, volunteers are given an opportunity to practice being an operator through role-playing exercises, as well as on-the-line training. Credit is offered through approved colleges. Training is available throughout the year to accommodate each person's schedule and lifestyle. Email Holly@SPSFV.Org to become a volunteer.
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