Training & Resources
People who think about, attempt, or die by suicide, don’t actually want to die, they just want their intense pain to end. Suicide prevention training and resources can build our community’s capacity to identify people who are struggling, and support them to get help so that they can feel better.
Training gatekeepers is an important component of any suicide prevention initiative.
Gatekeepers are community members who have regular social contact and connections with members of the public. They could include faith/cultural leaders, elders, teachers, school administrators, counsellors, youth workers, police officers, coaches, probation officers, foster parents, volunteers and others. Given their frequent contact with the public, these community members can act as the eyes and ears on the ground, and work with organizations to identify people who are experiencing risk for suicide, and encourage and navigate them to seek help.
Gatekeeper training supports people to recognize risk factors, identify people at risk, and connect people to services.
knowing how to detect the signs and to respond appropriately
This is not an exhaustive list of trainings, but they are the trainings that are currently offered in Ottawa.
LivingWorks prepares community members to intervene and prevent suicide with programs such as: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK and suicideTALK.
CMHA Ottawa offers the suite of Living Works trainings in both official languages. Phone: 613-737-7791
Mental Health First Aid was developed in Australia and adapted for use in Canada. This training program explores:
- signs and symptoms of common mental health problems and crisis situations
- information about effective interventions and treatments, and
- ways to access professional help.The Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group offers Mental Health First Aid Training: 613.722.6521, ext. 6535.
The Centre for Suicide Prevention lists several additional trainings that build capacity among gatekeers who are connected to various groups such as children, Indigenous communities, and youth.
Suicide Prevention Resources for Youth and Families
It can be very worrying when someone says or does things that give you the impression they are considering suicide. You may not be sure how to help, or if they are serious, or if asking about it may make the person feel worse. If you are experiencing any concern, it is important to take action.
See this resource that highlights the warning signs and how to respond to them: Know What To Do guide