Background

This committee was formed when a group of local residents concerned about suicide in the local area decided that it was time to start to do something.

There were initial public meetings in 1995 to discuss this problem and to form a plan of action to combat suicide.

Out of these meetings came the formation of the Committee on Suicide Awareness.

Membership & Information

Any local resident wanting more information or who would like to attend a meeting please contact:

Heather Berry 454-2286

Activities

Community Education

In order to combat any problem you first need to be educated. The Committee facilitated a Suicide Intervention Workshop in May 1995 and March 1996.

These workshops allowed for local residents to be trained in Intervention. Many who participated have used these skills since this workshop. If you are interested in attending one, please contact us.

The committee also hosted an evening Information Seminar in June. We have also taught others on aspects of suicide prevention and intervention and can present information to assist your group.

Committee

On

Suicide

Awareness

Serving

North Victoria County

Mail c/o :

Charlene Cross

R.R. 1

Kirkfield K0M 2B0

Telecare North Victoria

887-3690

Community Resources

The Committee has various resources available to local residents. There are various brochures available on Suicide Prevention, Facts in Canada, Depression, etc.

What information we don't have we can access through various resources such as Northern Connections, Funeral Homes and the CMHA.

We have provided a local

Crisis Line - 887-3690

for residents in need.

Other Telecare lines are

Haliburton 457-3617

Lindsay 878-4411

Kids Help Phone

1-800-668-6868

Local residents who have taken the Suicide Intervention Workshop are available to help.

Suicide Facts in Canada

Suicide is a significant and underestimated cause of death in Canada. The real tragedy is that many of these deaths can be prevented, mainly through knowing more about it.

How Big is the Problem?

More than 3,500 Canadians kill themselves each year (and affect many others around them)

Suicide is second only to accidents as a cause of death for people under age 35.

One in 7 Canadians has seriously considered suicide.

Non-fatal suicidal behaviour occurs much more frequently than completed suicide, with estimates as high as 100 to 1.

(Facing the Facts, Suicide in Canada, S.I.E.C. brochure)

Suicide Can Be Prevented

Individuals and community groups can decrease the risk of suicide by effective prevention measures including:

• Limiting access to firearms and lethal medicines.
• Encouraging supportive families
• Treating mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia
• Discouraging alcohol and drug abuse

Lives Can Be Saved

Successful intervention involves:

• Community awareness
• Recognition of the risk indicators of suicide
• Cooperation between all community resources
• Effective responses by trained caregivers during a suicide crisis

Information and open discussion help to remove the stigma associated with suicide. Please call us for more information on membership, meetings, or training sessions being offered.

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