BC Crisis Centre workshop aims to promote alertness on Suicide Prevention Day

Editor’s note: This story contains references to suicide. If you or a loved one is at risk of self-harm, the BC Crisis Centre can be reached at 1-800-784-2433. Translation services are available.

In a half-day training workshop on Sunday — National Suicide Prevention Day — the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC is aiming to help participants recognize when a person is having thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources to help them.

The centre says the session, SafeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone, was designed to help anyone age 15 or older, including some that work in formal helping positions, to be alert to situations where suicide thoughts may be present.

“Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t want to die — instead, they are looking for a way to work through the pain in their lives,” the Crisis Centre says. “Through their words and actions, they usually invite others to help them in making a choice for life.

“SafeTALK teaches participants to recognize these invitations, engage with the person with thoughts of suicide, and connect them with resources to help them be safer from suicide.”

The resources include crisis line workers, health care professionals, first responders, and others who have suicide prevention training.

While it is too late to register for this particular event, the centre offers many other resources to those in need and those who wish to help.

This event comes two days after the Government of Canada announced new funding for existing and eligible distress centres to go along with the new 9-8-8 Suicide Crises Helpline, which is set to launch on Nov. 30. The funding is geared toward promoting “health equity” to increase access to those most affected by suicide, including the Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and older adults.

“When people are in crisis, they need immediate support,” Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Ya’ara Saks said. “Crisis centres are an integral part of our public health approach to suicide prevention and are often the first point of contact for people who are struggling.

“They provide that urgent support to people who need it most, no matter their race, religion, culture or socio-economic background.”