Episode Details

• Fear of saying the wrong thing.
• Fear of making things worse.
• Fear of even starting the conversation.

In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Ailish O’Neill from the HSE’s National Suicide Prevention Office about “Let’s Talk About Suicide” — the winner of the 2025 Ireland eGovernment Education Award.

This is a digital learning programme designed to help ordinary people recognise signs of suicidal distress and feel confident enough to step in and help.

But this conversation goes far beyond technology.

It explores:

• Why lived experience completely changed the design of the programme

• How language and tone can determine whether people engage or switch off

• Why online learning was the right solution for a deeply sensitive subject

• How digital tools can build confidence — not just awareness

• What public sector teams can learn about communication, trust, and behaviour change

One insight stands out:

Many people taking the training were already worried about someone in their lives.

That changes everything.

Transform Gov is part of the Ireland eGovernment Awards and is brought to you in partnership with Accenture.

• To read more about free, accessible suicide prevention training from the HSE, or to enrol in Let’s Talk About Suicide, visit www.nosp.ie/training.

• This episode includes discussion about suicide and self-harm, which some listeners might find challenging or upsetting. If you, or someone you know needs support, visit the HSE website www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on mental health, minding yourself and others, and to find services or supports. 
• Samaritans are also available anytime day or night for support, on freephone 116 123.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Why the programme was created during COVID

04:10 Why suicide prevention training is different

07:20 Designing learning that builds confidence

10:15 The power of lived experience

15:05 “We get it now” — the turning point for developers

18:40 Fear of saying the wrong thing

22:10 Real-world stories and impact

25:00 What other public sector teams can learn

28:00 What happens next

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