Suicide Prevention Programs
Suicide Awareness
Suicide is a tragic event that touches many communities and families.
Suicide can be prevented. The first step in preventing suicide is talking about it in an informed way. There is stigma surrounding suicide, which might silence people struggling with suicidal ideations.
Warning Signs
Warning signs can be changes in any of the following categories:
P – PHYSICAL APPEARANCE (ie. body language, fatigue)
A – ACTIONS (ie. loss of interest, withdrawing, substance use)
S – SELF-TALK (ie. themes of hopelessness in self-talk)
E – EMOTIONS (ie. increased anger, guilt, sadness)
S – SITUATIONS (ie. loss, bullying, previous suicide attempt)
How do I talk about suicide to someone who is at risk?
If you see warning signs, trust those instincts. It is important to be direct when talking about suicide so your question isn’t misinterpreted. Ask directly, “Have you been having thoughts about suicide?”
Be empathetic and kind. Remember you are trying to help, not fix. Lead with compassion, not judgement.
If someone is thinking about suicide, what can I do?
Be willing to listen without judgment and avoid appearing shocked (this can invalidate the person’s feelings and seem judgemental). Listen and help them explore ways they are comfortable getting help.
Help them find appropriate resources to get help, such as a counselor or mental health professional. Continue to support them.
Need immediate HELP?
We offer education programs on suicide prevention & awareness!
Suicide Outreach Programs & Services
Outreach
If you or someone you know requires short term support, referrals to community resources, education on all aspects related to suicide and grief, appointments can be made by calling (403) 342-4966, or by filling out the form on our Contact Page, or by coming to our office during walk in hours Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Community Helpers Program
The Community Helpers Program is an Alberta Health Services Program designed for youth and adults ages 12-30, and adults who work with youth. The program is designed for helpers, those in the community who others come to for help. The program is designed to help with mental health intervention by training those helpers to hone in on their helping skills while learning how to take care of themselves. The program does not teach helpers to be their friend’s therapists, rather, it prepares them to support their peers in a healthy, safe, informed way and gives them the tools to know how and when to help their peer find professional mental health resources and intervention. The program is also designed to improve the intervention and treatment for those at risk of suicide and is part of Alberta’s “Building strength, inspiring hope: a provincial action plan for youth suicide prevention 2019 – 2024.”
The full Community Helpers Training includes 9 Core Modules that mix interaction, discussion and activities to help reach a deep understanding of topics. The topics range from ethics to helping to boundaries to understanding suicide. If the full training is completed, participants get an official Alberta Health Services certificate of completion which can go on resumes and professional development records.
The full training takes two days to compete. However the training can be done in small increments over the course of different days, or weeks. The program can be suited to the needs of those taking it.
There is no fee for the Community Helpers Training. All areas outside of Red Deer are subject to a travel fee of $0.52/km.
School Based Education Programs
Our School Based Education Programs are presented to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 across Red Deer and central Alberta. Presentations are focused on age-appropriate topics related to mental wellness, suicide prevention and help seeking behavior.
Other Education Programs
We offer presentations and programs for children, youth, adults and workplace settings, as well as free online course.
We want to help you. Please connect!
For more information:
Call The Outreach Centre at 403.347.2480 or email info@theoutreachcentre.org.
Please note that we are NOT a crisis line. If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Resources
24-hour Help Lines
| Alberta Mental Health | 1.877.303.2642 |
| Kids Help Phone | 1.800.668.6868 |
| Suicide Prevention Line (403) | 1.800.784.2433 |
| Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre | 403.356.1099 |
| Child Abuse Hotline | 1.800.387.5437 |
| Central Alberta Women’s Shelter | 403.346.5643 |
| 49th Street Youth Shelter | 403.341.3190 |
| Bullying Hotline for Youth | 1.888.456.2323 |
| Native Youth Crisis Hotline | 1.877.209.1266 |
| First Nations/Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line | 1.855.242.3310 |
| Red Deer Regional Hospital | 403.343.4448 |
| Police and Crisis Team (PACT) | 403.406.2505 |
Resources with Regular Office Hours
| Mental Health Clinic (Walk-In) | 403.340.5466 |
| Canadian Mental Health | 403.342.2266 |
| Vantage Community Services | 403.340.8995 |
| Red Deer Native Friendship Centre | 403.340.0020 |
| AADAC (AHS) | 403.340.5274 |
| Red Deer College Counselling Services | 403.343.4064 |
| Student Support Centre | 403.343.4096 |
| Central Alberta AIDS Network Society | 403.346.8858 |
| Safe Harbour Society | 403.347.0181 |
| Turning Point Society | 403.346.8858 |
| Family Services of Central Alberta | 403.343.6400 |
| Red Deer Primary Care Network | 403.343.9100 |
| Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre | 587.272.2233 |