Union County Offers Free Webinar on Active Listening In Recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month This September

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services have collaborated with Caring Contact to offer residents an informative webinar this September titled "Hear to Help: Active Listening for Emotional Support." The free webinar will delve into the significance of active and effective listening, the impact of empathy, and numerous other strategies to provide meaningful support to a loved one experiencing emotional distress. The workshop will be presented by Caring Contact's Crisis Line Director, Michelle Habayeb, on Monday, September 30th, from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm via Zoom and Facebook live.

"Our free webinar aims to keep the conversation about mental health ongoing, increasing awareness, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Most significantly, they emphasize the role a supportive and well-informed community plays in an individual's healing and recovery," said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. "You never know when you may find yourself in a position to help a friend or loved one, and how these listening techniques can have a significant impact on someone's life. I strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of this free resource and register."

In the most recent data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it is reported that 1 in 4 U.S. adults experience a mental illness episode each year. Experiencing one or multiple stressful life-changing events such as illness, divorce, or the loss of a loved one has been linked to making some people more susceptible to this condition.

"An empathetic listener creates a safe space for someone grappling with mental health issues to open up and share their struggles, serving as the first step toward finding the support needed to emerge from hardship and move towards hope," said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. "If you or anyone you know is experiencing an emotional crisis - you do not have to face this alone. Our residents should know that our Department of Human Resources is here to provide the support and resources needed during any challenging time."

This webinar is presented by the Union County Department of Human Services in partnership with Caring Contact. Caring Contact (formerly Contact We Care) is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed crisis hotline that provides a safe space and empathetic ear to all callers.

The ZOOM link for this webinar can be accessed by registering online at ucnj.org/spmzoom.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts and need assistance, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for free and confidential support 24/7 at 988 via text or phone. This lifeline is answered by trained crisis counselors and is available in multiple languages.

For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/ or call the DHS Action line at 908-677-5405.