Workshop aims to open dialogue on suicide awareness

Talking about suicide is never easy, but with training and support more people can start to have a conversation and help those in need.

A new workshop coming to Prince Albert aims to open up conversation around suicide awareness and intervention, and get more people talking. safeTALK is a half-day workshop happening April 28 in Prince Albert. Developed in 2006, the workshop is part of the LivingWorks organization, which aims to prevent suicide.

Shelley Christian, who will facilitate the April 28 safeTALK workshop in Prince Albert, said the program helps people recognize when a person is contemplating suicide and connect them to local resources. The program is open to anyone aged 15 years and older, she said, and participants don’t need any formal training or preparation to attend.

“It’s a really positively-framed workshop, one of the best that I’ve seen,” Christian said. “Almost everyone has had a thought of suicide at one time or another.”

Sharon Kuhn, who is helping to organize the workshop, said she’s concerned about the number of suicides in the region. Kuhn said helping people recognize the signs and learn about supports can save lives.

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“I really believe that everybody in society has an opportunity to recognize and maybe help someone not to make that choice,” Kuhn told paNOW. “This program will equip people to recognize the signs, and at least equip the with questions they need to ask to get the proper information.”

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention lists factors such as depression, poverty, feelings of hopelessness, and sudden changes in behaviour as warnings signs of suicide. The organization says open discussion, and helping someone at risk of suicide to find support and get professional help are key ways to intervene and prevent suicide.

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt