Event to open dialogue on suicide prevention

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This article was published 08/09/2022 (1261 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The public is invited to learn more about suicide prevention this week with a series of activities geared toward increasing education and awareness about mental health.

World Suicide Prevention Day is Saturday, but the Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN), with support from Prairie Mountain Health, is observing the date Friday. The theme of this year’s event is “creating hope through action.”

Friday’s events start off in Princess Park with a free soup and bannock lunch from the In a Good Way centre between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Therapy dogs will be on site to offer comfort, too.

People can also offer messages of hope and encouragement in the park with “Chalk the Walk,” where people write positive messages on the sidewalk for passersby to read. The messages will be recorded and highlighted for International Day for People Impacted by Suicide Loss on Nov. 20.

This is a day to connect and talk without judgment about what causes someone to take their own life, as well as how to reach out and prevent a suicide, SPIN chair Niki Gagnon said.

Much of it surrounds language, she explained, because the words people use shapes perspectives and can unintentionally cause feelings of shame, driving people away from asking for help.

“People will still say ‘committed suicide,’ but that puts blame on them [the person who died],” Gagnon said.

“We really want to change the language and there are terms people can learn. Instead of ‘committed,’ people should say ‘died by suicide.’”

Education is at the heart of prevention, said Gagnon, which is why SPIN is hosting a SafeTalk training course at the Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre today from 5 to 8 p.m.

This is a program that trains people to recognize the signs of someone who may be contemplating suicide, as well as knowing how to support the person, Gagnon said. Attendees will learn how to overcome negative attitudes to make it easier to discuss suicide. They will also learn how to connect people to resources in the area.

Registration is open and space is limited. Email spinassistant2019@outlook.com to inquire about a spot in Brandon.

SPIN is also taking nominations of people or organizations actively working to promote suicide prevention. Nominations can be sent to the email above, with the nominee’s name and contact information, as well as the type of work they are doing and why they deserve recognition.

A SafeTalk class will also be held in Roblin Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The location has yet to be decided, but contact Pamela Hansen to register at 204-937-3727 or phansen@pmh-mb.ca.

Swan River is also hosting a SafeTalk class at the Veterans Hall from 9 a.m. to noon. Contact Olivia Acorn to register at 204-734-6684 or oacorn@pmh-mb.ca.

For World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday, Gagnon encourages people to place awareness notes or messages of resilience in their front window and light a candle at 8 p.m., to show their support of suicide prevention, or to remember a lost loved one, or for someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can contact the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, which is open 24 hours a day, according to a news release from SPIN. A trained crisis worker will listen and direct callers to the resources they need. Locally, people can contact Westman Crisis Services at 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699 in Brandon area, or 1-866-332-3030 for PMH North. In an emergency, call 911 or contact a local hospital or health office.

More information on Brandon and Westman World Suicide Prevention Day events, visit spinbrandon.ca, and follow SPIN on social media.

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