Training & Resources
Training
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
Helping organizations respond after a suicide loss
Resources for a family that is grieving a suicide loss
Presentations by local researchers in suicide prevention
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Epidemiology of suicide in Ottawa
Jacqueline Willmore (Ottawa Public Health) -
Building Resilience and Attachment in Vulnerable Adolescents
Allison Kennedy (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) -
Youth Engagement as a Protective Factor for Rural & Urban Youth Suicidal Ideation
Laura Armstrong (St. Paul University) -
Suicide Contagion in Canadian youth
Ian Colman (University of Ottawa) -
The Evolution of the HEADS-ED
Mario Cappelli (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) -
How Much is Enough? Social Support, Mental Health, and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescence
Martine Flament (The Royal) -
How we can prevent suicide in Ottawa: A vision for change
Simon Hatcher (The Royal)
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Suicide prevention among youth, what works?
Ian Manion (The Centre of Excellence in Child and Youth Mental Health) -
What do we know about emerging adults and their suicidal thoughts?
Ian Colman (The University of Ottawa) -
The mental health of emerging adults: making transitions a priority!
Despina Papadopoulos (Mental Health Commission of Canada) -
Suicide prevention, what works in adults?
Simon Hatcher (The Royal) -
Parent and caregiver experiences with the mental health system
Ulrike Komaksiutiksak (Parents Lifelines of Eastern Ontario) -
Post-secondary and LGBTQ+ youth
Zac Johnstone (Youth Leader) -
Sources of Strength
Andrea Poncia (Research Summary)