Connecting research to experience
The goal of Suicide Prevention Ottawa’s, Research, Awareness, Knowledge and Exchange group (RAKE) is to connect people with experiences, living and lived (Peer WELL), to researchers-and vice versa.
The group came together because Suicide Prevention Ottawa believes that linking researchers with peers improves suicide prevention. Having peers involved brings perspective to research and creates opportunities for a valuable dialogue about important issues, trends and research questions.
Our work is open to, and guided by, researchers in suicide, and people who have living and lived experience of suicide.
As we work to connect research to lived experiences, we focus on two key areas of work. The first is as knowledge users where SPO will convene peers, researchers and service practitioners in order to endorse promising and innovative research and practices.
The second stream of work involves a service of matching people with living and lived experiences with researchers who are seeking peer involvement and engagement in their work.
See the links below to learn more about how to get involved.
Peer WELL
People who are seeking to share their ideas and help to make decisions concerning research projects that could improve suicide prevention are invited to join Peer WELL.
You will be part of a community of like-minded people who are all working towards promoting hope, help and strength.
While this opportunity is not limited to people who have any research experience, this is an opportunity to gain research experience, knowledge, and skills. All are welcome to come and share their perspectives.
To learn more contact aponcia@ysb.ca
Researchers
If you are a researcher seeking endorsement from a community based knowledge user, or if you wish to work with peers, Suicide Prevention Ottawa can be of support.
SPO connects researchers to people with living and lived experiences, and can support research teams in creating an enriching, collaborative experiences.
These initiatives were put in place by a group that is chaired by Dr. Zachary Kaminsky, the DIFD Mach-Gaensslen Chair in Suicide Prevention Research at The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), affiliated with the University of Ottawa.