3. What can I do about suicide? Although it takes everyone’s involvement to build a suicide- safer community, a single person can make a difference. Encourage those you know to discuss suicide in a safe, positive environment, and provide them with the respect and support that they need. If there is a designated caregiver or suicide prevention coordinator in your area, you can also engage with this person to see if there are any strategic suicide prevention efforts taking place. If there aren’t, you can make the recommendation to elders, band leaders, and other community representatives.
To learn more about LivingWorks training and resources, visit www.livingworks.net, email communications@livingworks.net, or call toll-free at 1-888-733-5484. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can get help. Visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention website at www.suicideprevention.ca/in-crisis-now/find-a-crisis-centre-now/ to find a crisis center that you can call in your area.
4. What can my community do about suicide? In an ideal world, everyone would have access to suicide prevention training. Many people learn basic first aid skills knowing that they may one day save a life, and suicide prevention training is no different. The more awareness there is of suicide prevention techniques in the community as a whole, the more that community becomes suicide-safe. A thoughtful, strategic approach is essential when laying the groundwork for a successful suicide prevention initiative. The first step in implementing suicide prevention measures is typically a community assessment: developing an understanding of local norms and belief systems as well as the opportunities for intervention. Once this has been done, it is important to identify the people and groups who can play a key role in suicide prevention. These might include caregivers, leaders, educators, and elders, and by sharing their insight and stories, they can determine the best way to engage the community as a whole. Close collaboration will enable them to establish a strategy that reflects the needs and beliefs of those around them. Once a plan has been developed for bringing suicide safety to the community, the next step is training and capacity building. This training might vary from person to person, but everyone can learn the basics of suicide awareness and how to respond when an at-risk person invites assistance into their life. Even after the training has been delivered, sustainability is a key factor in any suicide prevention strategy. To ensure success, it is important to evaluate outcomes, maintain continued access to resources, and lay the groundwork for further training. Working together to save lives Everyone has a part to play in building suicide-safer communities. LivingWorks was founded in 1983 on the belief that all people can help save lives from suicide. LivingWorks’ mission is to empower communities by providing efficient, effective training programs based on the very latest in clinical research and practice. LivingWorks materials are adapted for local audiences and delivered through a network of more than 6,000 trainers worldwide. hopeforthefuture.ca
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