Soul Shop, a national movement that helps communities and faith leaders develop ways to prevent suicide, will hold two training sessions in mid-October at Saint Louis School, 3142 Waialae Avenue in Honolulu.
The first, “Soul Shop for Youth Leaders,” 6-9 pm, Friday, Oct. 18, is a half-day, interfaith session designed to give leaders and educators the skills to minister to youth with suicidal tendencies. Special focus will be on issues of impulsivity, contagion and confidentiality. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, how to engage in life-saving conversations, and how to keep youth safe. The $10 registration fee includes a workbook.
The second session, “Soul Shop for Community and Interfaith Leaders, Clergy, and Mental Health Professionals,” 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, is a one-day training for those groups including ministry volunteers. The training includes the creation of worship resource, guidance in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and the invitation to those who have been previously suicidal to share their stories. The registration fee is $20 and includes a workbook and a bento lunch.
An optional continuing education credit fee for either session costs $10.
The facilitator for the sessions is Michelle Snyder, director of Soul Shop and executive director of the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute.
To register go online to soulshophi2019.eventbrite.com. For information, call 545-2740 or email info@samaritanhawaii.org.
The training is being presented by BDK Hawaii, Chaminade University-BDK Hawai‘i Rev. Fujitani Interfaith Program, Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin and the Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii. BDK (Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai) is a non-sectarian Buddhist organization that promotes an understanding of Buddhist wisdom by sponsoring activities and programs.
The sessions are sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii, Pacific Health Ministry and St. Louis School.