Suicide Prevention 101 – “How to Help a Friend”

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Suicide Prevention 101 – “How to Help a Friend” A workshop presented by Samaritans

Why does someone take their own life?  Can it be prevented?

The NAMI Chapter of Berkshire County announces a special program about the Risk Factors and Warning Signs that are typical of a person who may be feeling suicidal. It’s an opportunity to discuss the fears we all have when someone who is mentally ill expresses, or doesn't know how to express the pain they are feeling.

This workshop will be conducted by Kelley Cunningham who is the Manager for Community Education and Outreach for Samaritans. She has a BS in Psychology and a MS in Training and Development. Over the past year, Kelley has completed this workshop for several NAMI affiliates across the state to rave reviews. On a personal note, Kelley is a “suicide survivor” having lost her mother-in-law more than seven years ago to suicide. She brings a personal aspect to suicide and mental illness.

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Understand that mental health disorders are the leading circumstance to more than 90% of all suicides.


Identify some of the risk factors and warning signs that are typical of a person who is feeling suicidal.

List at least three steps we can all take to help an individual who is suicidal.

Identify some specific listening techniques which are invaluable when dealing with a person thinking or talking about suicide.

Open to members and the general public, this event will be held on Wednesday, April 1, promptly at 6:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Brien Center, 333
East St., Pittsfield.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Multiple Departments Respond to Lanesborough Structure Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire off Narragansett Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Fire Department received a call from the owner of 6 Bangor St. reporting a smoke and flames at around 1:44 p.m.

Firefighters arriving on scene reported heavy smoke emanating from the the 1940s single-family ranch home in the thickly settle neighborhood.

The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. 

"The homeowner was outside doing some work, evidently, opened the door when she came back in the house, and there were flames and smoke, so she backed out and called us, and that's all we know right now," Deputy Fire Chief Glen Storie said around 2:35 p.m. 

The fire was out at that time, and first responders observed "quite a bit of damage" to the home. The cause is still under investigation. 

Lanesborough, Cheshire, and Pittsfield departments responded to the scene, and Hancock covered the station during the call. 

"The first crew in knocked the fire right down with the first engine," Storie said. 

Smoke could be seen coming from the back of the home. Part of Narragansett Avenue and Bangor Avenue were blocked off while firefighters battled the blaze. 

 

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