The Arkansas Department of Health — along with Interfaith Arkansas and AFSP: Arkansas Chapter — is offering a free event for faith leaders who are seeking resources in suicide prevention training.
Soul Shop: Ministering to Suicidal Desperation, which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Jacksonville Community Center, will offer training in much-needed areas for faith leaders, including the creation of worship resources, training congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversations skills, and learning how to invite those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories.
According to recent data acquired by Soul Shop, “it is estimated that one out of every two people in a given congregation has personally been impacted by suicide.”
Faith-based leaders from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided for those who attend, and attendees can pre-register for the event at afsp.org/ARsoulshop.
For more information on the event, contact Joy Rockenbach at joy.rockenbach@arkansas.gov or Christopher Epperson at christopher.afsp.ar@gmail.com.