World Suicide Prevention Day 2019 Roundup
Last week, September 10, was World Suicide Prevention Day. All week long, we hosted and attended events to raise awareness for suicide and its prevention. We also contributed to a number of news stories, and released new publications.
CSP in the news
High suicide rates for Indigenous youths sparks action from Alberta government – Calgary Herald
September 10, 2019
The government of Alberta has launched graphic novels for First Nations and Metis youth as part of their Youth Suicide Prevention Plan. In addition to the release of the novels, Centre for Suicide Prevention announced the newly developed guide, “Community-led life promotion plans for Indigenous youth and communities.” This guide is an additional resource to support Indigenous communities in developing life-promotion strategies and activities.
Related – Suicide-prevention resources for Indigenous youth – Government of Alberta
Suicide Prevention Day means opportunity for discussion about a difficult issue, expert says – Global
September 10, 2019
World Suicide Prevention Day took place last week, on September 10. The day is an opportunity to discuss suicide, a topic still shrouded in stigma, and to bring attention to the fact that it is preventable. “If we can create an atmosphere and environment around us that is non-judgmental and open, then hopefully we’re going to be able to see people who are at risk more readily, and people who are at risk might be more comfortable in speaking to us,” said Mara Grunau of the Centre for Suicide Prevention. “When people get to the point of considering suicide, that means that is the only exit they can see. It’s the only way out of the pain. They don’t really want to die, they want the pain of living to end.”
New publication: Community-led life promotion plans for Indigenous youth and communities (a guide)
This guide is an invitation to bring together youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and others who work with young people to plan and implement life promotion strategies and actions that support the community. Contact the Centre for Suicide Prevention if you’re interested in receiving a copy of this free resource.
New publication: Safety plans to prevent suicide
A safety plan is an assets-based approach designed to focus on a person’s strengths. Their unique abilities are identified and emphasized so they can draw on them when their suicidal thoughts become intense. This toolkit will explain what a safety plan is and how to create one together with an individual who may be at risk. Click here to read the toolkit.
Mysterious Barricades
This suicide awareness concert series is held each year coast-to-coast from dawn-til-dusk across Canada. Centre for Suicide Prevention was honoured to have been asked to participate in the live Calgary and Edmonton concerts, and as well to contribute to segments between concerts during the livestream.
During the segments, we gave insight into what some people who are experiencing suicide might experience and how those around them might react.
The livestream will be available online for one week, after which time our own segments will be posted on our website.
Centre for Suicide Prevention’s segments appear at the following times throughout the livestream:
Free workshops
From September 10 to 13, we offered free workshops thanks to our sponsors: Westland Insurance, Arete HR, Zone 3 Business Solutions and LivingWorks Education Inc.
- Tuesday, September 10
Straight Talk: Preventing suicide in youth
Tattered Teddies: Preventing suicide in children - Wednesday, September 11
safeTALK: Suicide alertness for everyone - Thursday, September 12
Suicide to Hope: Growth and recovery workshop for clinicians
Awareness events
Wednesday, September 11, we hosted a suicide awareness event in the lobby of the Kahanoff Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Thank you to Sweet Relief Pastries for donating cookies to this event.
