World Suicide Prevention Day

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By Monica Truffyn

Communications Co-ordinator, PMH

One World Connected” is the theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). Bringing this theme home, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) have partnered to promote, “Connecting Canada” as the theme for WSPD in Canada.

Being connected with oneself, with others and with a community is critical to one’s sense of hopefulness and well-being. Building connections is therefore one of the pillars of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. On Sept. 10 people will gather in communities all across Canada to show their support for suicide prevention, to remember those who have died, comfort those who grieve, and strengthen our connection with each other. During WSPD, we remember that we are all connected to each other through shared experiences, sorrow, hope, determination, commitment and compassion. On Sept. 10, CASP and MHCC invite all communities across Canada to find at least one way of connecting to WSPD.

Various World Suicide Prevention Day events are being hosted throughout the southern/central part of Prairie Mountain Health Region. Suicide prevention walks will be held in Hamiota (Centennial Library), Minnedosa (regional library), Virden (Virden Border Regional Library), Treherne (municipal office), Killarney (United Church) and Russell (regional library). All walks will start at 1 p.m., followed by a short educational session. For further information please contact Tess Lelond 204-578-2486 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Brandon & Area Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) is sponsoring a public event at Prairie Oasis Senior Centre (241-8th St.) on Sept. 10 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. This event will recognize the individuals and organizations working to make our community suicide-safer, and to support those whose lives have been impacted by suicide. This event is open to all. Displays, refreshments and music will be featured.

On Sept. 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. a free SafeTALK training session will be held at Brandon Town Centre (public health office, unit A5). SafeTALK teaches people how to recognize signs of suicide risk and connect them with professional help. Register by calling 204-578-2400 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . SafeTALK training will also be offered throughout the region at later dates.