SENTINAL Team
We're All Human
Join the SENTINEL Team...
A sentinel is a guardian, a watcher on the walls, someone who intervenes to protect and help their comrades. To defeat suicide in our community, we must all become SENTINELS, dedicated to knowing the signs of suicide and stepping in to save lives. When you become a VAL SENTINEL, you’ll receive an official certificate of achievement for display, and become eligible to join the SENTINEL Team, the branch of VAL dedicated to bringing suicide prevention resources and training to our communities. Becoming a SENTINEL is easy. You can attend one of our quarterly live trainings, provided by trained VA staff, or you can take the free, online training offered through PSYCHARMOR at your convenience. Once you’re done, email the admin team, and you will receive your training certificate for display and join the ranks of the SENTINELS.Website: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-s-a-v-e
Who should become a SENTINEL?
Everyone. Like knowing how to help someone choking, or how to perform CPR, knowing the signs of suicide and how to respond are an essential part of being a good citizen. It is especially important that VAL Table Champions receive this training; part of the job of a Table Champion is to encourage players to also become SENTINELS!
I am not a veteran... can I still become a SENTINEL?
Yes. The veteran community is an inseparable part of wider American culture. The more people that become SENTINELS, the more we safeguard against suicide.
What are the specific goals of this training?
According to the S.A.V.E. website:
“You will develop a general understanding of the problem of suicide in the United States; understand how to identify a Veteran who may be at risk for suicide; and, finally, know what to do if you identify a Veteran at risk. Each of us has the opportunity to be that one person who makes a difference--the person who asks the question that can save a Veteran's life, or the life of anyone struggling with the thoughts of suicide. Using the simple steps of S.A.V.E., we can all make a difference.”
Does this training only apply to veterans?
No. This training (the VA S.A.V.E. model) was made with veterans and servicemembers in mind, but the underlying principles apply to anyone from any background suffering from thoughts of suicide. This training will teach you to help someone else in a crisis, regardless of whether or not they served in the military.
Do I have to attend SENTINEL Team meetings if I become a SENTINEL?
No. Receiving this training incurs no obligation of any kind, aside from the obligations we all already have toward our fellow human beings.
Does receiving this training mean I'm a Certified Crisis Counselor?
Not anymore than knowing how to perform CPR makes you a heart surgeon.
If you have questions about becoming a SENTINEL, please contact us at: admin@veteransadventureleague.org
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