What we know about Suicide:

• Almost 4.000 Canadians die by suicide every year.
• Suicide is the second-most common cause of death among young people 15-24.However, anyone can be at risk of suicide regardless of age, gender, socio-economicstatus, etc.
• Suicide is a complex issue without a single determinant. Rather, suicide typically results from the interaction of many factors, such as loss, addiction, trauma, depression, serious physical illness, and major life changes.CMHA HKPR and our community partners are dedicated to creating a suicide safer community. Over the past year we have trained over 700 individuals in suicide prevention, through safeTALK. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Mental Health First Aide. CMHA HKPR’s Team55 Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness has been an important partner in this endeavor and is sponsoring this event.

  The event will be in two parts. From 5:00-7:30 community agencies will have information available for those who wish to drop by and gather resources for themselves of someone they are concerned about. Agencies include CMHA HKPR, Telecare, Peterborough Aides Resource Network, The John Howard Society, The Elizabeth Fry Society, Youth Emergency Shelter, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Hospice Peterborough and others. There will be demonstrations on how individuals can develop their own Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) by Kait Kelly of CMHA HKPR; an opportunity to design your own personal journal by Deb Reynolds and a Tai Chi demonstration by George Kerr. Tai Chi will take place at 5:30. The other demonstrations will be ongoing between 5 and 7:30. The candlelight vigil will begin at 7:30, including a lighting of candles, in recognition of lives lost to suicide. The vigil will conclude by 8:00 p.m.

  For more information please contact Kerri Davies, Manager of Development CMHA HKPR – 705-748-6687 ext. 1048