The Community Gatekeeper Training Project A key element

The Community Gatekeeper Training Project A key element in building suicide safer communities

Suicide in BC a cumulative tragedy § Everyday someone in BC dies by suicide § There’s over 500 suicides yearly; over 4, 000 in Canada § 75% of these deaths occur in middle aged & older males § Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death in youth 15 - 24 § Estimated 20 suicide attempts for every death – that’s 27 suicide attempts daily

Suicide Prevention on the Ground Our place in the bigger picture § Suicide for the most part is preventable. § 90% of people who make one attempt do not go on to make another.

Suicide Prevention on the Ground Our place in the bigger picture § Suicide prevention is everybody’s business. § If we know what to look for, how to ask & what to do we can help prevent suicide attempts & deaths.

You’re someone who is there to listen when people need to talk— and with Community Gatekeeper training you may be able to help save a life.

Suicide Prevention on the Ground Our place in the bigger picture § People who consider or attempt suicide often feel overwhelmed, isolated, worthless, helpless, hopeless. § Compassionately supporting a connection to caring others in our communities is a key first step.

Suicide Prevention on the Ground Our place in the bigger picture §Many of us will find ourselves in a position to help but are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. § Basic training in suicide prevention can alleviate this fear & teach you how to help prevent immediate risk of suicide.

a suicide-safer community

Suicide Prevention on the Ground Our place in the bigger picture § We all have a role to play. § Training to recognize & respond to risk is a critical element in building a suicide safer community.

Gatekeeper Training who is a gatekeeper? § Trusted & respected community members to whom others go to for support § Individuals familiar with community resources & comfortable with encouraging help seeking § “Regular” citizens - coaches, elders, teachers, clergy, community or friendship centre staff, HR reps, union stewards, employment counsellors, first responders, bartenders YOU!

a suicide-safer community Suicide alertness for everyone

Gatekeeper Training what type of training is available? safe. TALK workshop (1/2 day) § Suicide alertness training for everyone § Recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to others trained in suicide first aid § Simple Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep Safe steps § Hands-on skills practice § Developed in 2006, used in over 20 countries

ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Gatekeeper Training what type of training is available? ASIST workshop (2 day) § Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training § Learn the skills to help & save a life from suicide § Powerful audio-visual learning aids § Experiential - skills development & practice § Local resources incorporated § Reduce suicidal feelings for those at risk

Gatekeeper Training does it work? § Studies show: ü Gatekeeper Training increases trainee’s knowledge, skill and willingness to intervene ü Studies link Gatekeeper Training to reduced suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and deaths

The training provided through the Community Gatekeeper Training Project follows curriculum developed by Living. Works Education. Funding provided by the BC Ministry of Health.

You can make a difference!