TRAINING 2010 TRAINING CLASS : February 16 - March 16 Participants in the Skills for Better Listening training learn "active listening" and how to respond to people in need of empathy and support.  Training includes lectures, videos, discussion, and group activities.  Participants gain an improved ability to relate more effectively with family, friends, and co-workers, but most importantly, they learn the interpersonal skills, knowledge, and self-awareness necessary to help others in distress.  Training is provided by professionals in the community and veteran helpline volunteers who have experienced firsthand the positive difference a compassionate, listening ear can make to a person in crisis. Skills for Better Listening training is available for personal enrichment or continuing education.  Successful completion of the training program is required for persons interested in becoming CONTACT phone volunteers.  Potential volunteers participate in a supervised internship program where the elements of training are put to practical use.  Supervisory staff are available to guide volunteers in their telephone work and to offer assistance in emergency situations. Training Program Information To register, call the CONTACT office at 724-728-9511.  Training topic overview:   ˜ Active Listening ˜ Death & Grief ˜ Domestic Violence & Anger ˜ Drug & Alcohol ˜ Human Sexuality ˜ Loneliness & Depression ˜ Mental Illness ˜ Problems of Aging ˜ Problems of Youth ˜ Religious Perspective ˜ Separation & Divorce ˜ Suicide ˜ Values Clarification  Did you know - more teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease, combined?