Operation of 'Saengmyeongjikimi' Training Program Twice a Month on Biweekly Wednesdays
'Saengmyeongjikimi' Early Detects Suicide Crisis and Connects to Experts for Suicide Prevention
Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yu Seong-hoon) announced that to prevent suicide, every other Wednesday twice a month will be designated as "Life Love Wednesday, Life Keeper Day," and a "Life Keeper Training" program will be operated.
A "Life Keeper" refers to a person who detects early signals of someone in a suicide crisis nearby, maintains continuous interest, and connects them to professional institutions for help.
Most suicide victims send warning signals before death, but those around them often do not recognize these signals or, even if they do, fail to take appropriate action. Life Keepers identify suicide signs through changes in language, behavior, and emotional state of high-risk groups and prevent extreme choices.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted Life Keeper training programs as an effective method for suicide prevention. Research shows that Life Keeper training has reduced suicide rates by approximately 33 to 40%.
The training teaches the basic mindset of the four steps "생" "명" "존" "중" (Life, Clarity, Respect, Importance), emphasizing that small attention and practice as a keeper can save lives. The content includes ▲ 생 (Life): capturing vividly ▲ 명 (Clarity): asking clearly ▲ 존 (Respect): listening with respect ▲ 중 (Importance): conveying with significance.
The program is held twice a month every other Wednesday at the Geumcheon-gu Mental Health Welfare Center until December. Any Geumcheon-gu residents, organizations, or local workers can participate, and group applications can adjust the training schedule and location. Applications can be made via Google Form or by calling the Geumcheon-gu Mental Health Welfare Center.
Those who complete the training will be awarded a "Life Love Badge" to foster a sense of belonging and mission in actively participating in suicide prevention activities as Life Keepers.
In February, 28 Geumcheon-gu residents completed the Life Keeper training. One participant said, "It was beneficial to learn how to talk to neighbors at risk of suicide and provide help."
Yu Seong-hoon, Mayor of Geumcheon-gu, said, "I hope Life Keeper training will contribute to spreading a culture of respect for life," and added, "We will do our best to reduce suicide rates by promoting regionally tailored suicide prevention projects."
For more details, inquiries can be made to the Health Promotion Division of Geumcheon-gu Office.
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