Working Together to prevent Suicide
For the second year in a row, the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide.’ This theme was chosen because it highlights the most important aspect of effective suicide prevention – collaboration.
Recognizing the need for ongoing and dedicated efforts, Ottawa Public Health has been working for years with internal and external partners to create a suicide-safer community. We can all play a role in reaching this goal. By working together, we can make a difference. Take a minute to think about how you can help make Ottawa suicide-safer.
- Take a minute to notice what is going on with you, your family, your friends and your colleagues.
- Take a minute to reach out to someone you think might be struggling. Offering a gentle word of support and listening in a nonjudgmental way could change their life. You can watch our video, How to talk about mental health to learn safe ways to talk about your own mental health or illness and how to support others sharing their challenges with you.
- Take a minute to sign up for safeTALK either through the Learning Centre for City Staff or through CMHA Ottawa for all Ottawa residents. SafeTALK is a half day workshop that will help you recognize possible signs that someone is thinking of suicide, engage with them and connect them to help.
Again this year, as Co-Chair of Suicide Prevention Ottawa, OPH is co-hosting an event to educate and raise awareness about suicide prevention. Join us at The Royal on September 10th for this informative event.
You can register directly by emailing aponcia@ysb.ca
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or refer them to one of these helpful resources:
- Walk-in Counselling Clinic 613-725-3601
- Ottawa Mental Health Crisis Line (EN/FR) 613-722-6914, 1-866-996-0991 if outside Ottawa
- Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region (EN) 613-238-3311
- Youth Services Bureau 24/7 Crisis Line (EN/FR) 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (Eastern ON)
- Kids Help Phone (EN) 1-800-668-6868
For additional community resources, please visit our website and check out the Mental Health and Substance Use Resource List.
