Working together towards a community without suicide
WELCOME TO
Suicide Prevention Ottawa
Suicide Prevention Ottawa is a group of organizations working together in Ottawa to make services more effective at preventing suicide among children, youth and young adults.
Our work revolves around three key areas of focus: research, responding after a suicide (or suicide postvention), and building capacity.
Browse our website to find information on these topics and more, along with resources and links to local organizations that can help respond to suicide in our community.
Suicide Prevention Ottawa does not provide crisis support.
For 24/7 bilingual, crisis support, call the Child Youth and Family Crisis Line at 613-260-2360, or 1-877-377-7775 (outside Ottawa) or call the Crisis Line at 1-866-996-0991.
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Learn how to help
Build understanding & confidence
It can be scary when someone we know or love is having a hard time. Know that there are services and resources that can help you in your role as a support for loved ones. Click on the link below to access Counselling Connect, a one-stop-shop for mental health supports in Ottawa.
Sometimes, the best thing for someone who is struggling is to be able to confide in someone they trust. The Know What to Do guide at the link below can give you the confidence to be that support for your loved one.
Have you been following us on Twitter @OttPrevention? Our #OneGoodThing Campaign is ongoing, with great content. Are you interested in being interviewed? Reach out to the Contact Us section of this website.
What the experts say
learn how to respond
There is consensus among practitioners about effective ways to respond to a death by suicide. Drawing on this, and designed for organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors, this checklist provides a step-by-step guide for what to do when a child/youth/young adult dies by suicide[1]. This document is meant as a support and complement to existing policies and procedures.
When someone dies by suicide, the effect on those touched by it –families, friends, workers – can be immediate and traumatic. Research shows that planning ahead can ease grieving, promote a smoother adjustment, and prevent contagion (Cerel & Campbell, 2008).
USEFUL INFORMATION
Crisis & Resources
Youth Services Bureau (YSB) for caregivers and youth under 18: 613-260-2360
Kids Help Phone for young people: 1-800-668-6868
Good2talk for post-secondary students: 1-866-925-5454
Distress Centre for all ages: 613-238-3311
Mental Health Crisis Line for people 16 years and over: 613-722-6914
IN THE LOOP
What's New
Save the date! Join us on January 26th, 2021 for a forum about the Skills for Safer Living program. Come and hear Dr. Yvonne Bergmans and colleagues speak about this innovative program for people who are living with suicidal thoughts and actions. All are welcome to this free, online event. More information to come.
Every year on September 10th, people around the world come together to prevent suicide. We do it for ourselves, for our family and for community. WSPD is an opportunity to celebrate and build upon our continued efforts to build a safer and healthier world. It is our chance to continue working together to prevent suicide.
Preventing suicide starts with one good thing. Small acts can have great impact, so on World Suicide Prevention Day, Suicide Prevention Ottawa encourages you to notice one good thing, to share one good thing, to do one good thing.
One step can lead to another and another and another.
This year join Suicide Prevention Ottawa for an online discussion about the good things that can get you through. Follow us at @Ottprevention on Twitter to learn more.
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in the news
Strategies that help with #mentalillness are difficult to implement without housing
“I focused the study on homeless youth because there’s real potential for this group that the right, early intervention could prevent a lifetime of chronic
Ontario campus counsellors drowning in #mentalhealth needs
Ontario colleges and universities are facing a mental health crisis as campus counsellors are overwhelmed by the growing need for services, according to a new
One way to take action to #preventsuicide, enroll for #ASIST training in #Ottcity.
Most people considering suicide share their distress and their intent. Training can help us see and respond to these invitations for help. It can give
USEFUL INFORMATION
Research about what works
Suicide Prevention Ottawa engages local researchers to share evidence-informed practices at regular events and presentations in our community. Our events cover different areas of research, based in the community, schools, and hospitals and cover topics such as the latest suicide statistics in Ottawa, the effects and contributors to suicide, and innovative tools to prevent suicide among children and emerging adults.
