The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that every year over 800,000 people die from suicide; approximately one death every 40 seconds. Worldwide the lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined.  In Canada suicide is the leading cause of injury related fatality with 3,900 Canadians dying by suicide each year.  In BC alone 500 people die this way every year. It is estimated that over 3,000,000 Canadians have been impacted by the tragedy of suicide in some way, and yet suicide is preventable.

We know and research proves that connection with others can increase resiliency and reduce suicide risk in the vulnerable, that reaching out and extending support and friendship to people that have become marginalized or isolated can save lives.  Connection and collaboration across communities and between services, helpers, families and those who are struggling is also critical in supporting people to build lives they want to live. And connection at the local, national and international level is essential to sharing what we are learning about what is working and how to get more of it.

“Suicide Prevention: One World Connected” is the theme chosen by the International Association for Suicide Prevention for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th  – www.iasp.info/wspd/. This day has been marked by more than 40 countries around the world since 2003.  Its purpose is to raise awareness of suicide as a major public health concern, mobilize efforts to save lives and connect people to supports and resources.

Building on this international message “Connecting Canada” has been chosen by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP www.suicideprevention.ca) as its banner statement for World Suicide Prevention Day.  On September 10 CASP is calling out to organizations, communities and individuals throughout the nation to find at least one way to create strengthen or celebrate a connection in service of suicide prevention.  Then you can join people all around the world in marking your commitment by lighting a candle near a window at 8 PM.

SAFER (Suicide Attempt Follow-up Education and Research) is a service under Vancouver Coastal Health providing individual and group counselling and support to those whose lives have in some way been impacted by suicidal behaviours or suicide death.  We have forged strong connections locally, provincially, nationally and internationally to those also committed to reducing suicide risk and the associated suffering and trauma.  We see clearly the need for connectedness and collaboration to create safety nets for people at risk, to offer support and comfort to those who grieve and to sustain the families, friends, service providers and all others committed to the creation of suicide safer communities and organizations everywhere.

We also know the challenge of trying to do more with less. We believe one key response is to build on the expertise and best practices of others rather than re-inventing the wheel.  In this spirit we are joining with Klinic Community Health Centre in Winnipeg, CASP and the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) to promote the webinar – “30 Minutes That Could Save a Life”.  You can connect simply by clicking the link www.reasontolive.ca/30minutestosavealife  throughout the day on September 10.  

There will be events connecting communities throughout Canada, and indeed the world, on World Suicide Prevention Day.  Locally the Vancouver Crisis Center will be offering a free 90 minute teach-in on suicide prevention starting at  7 PM at the Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia, with SAFER and other community organizations in attendance. Register online at www.suicidetalk.eventbrite.ca

In Surrey the Art Exhibit Man-Up Against Suicide will look at this issue through the eyes of 25 people with direct experience of suicidal thoughts or attempts, as well as the perspectives of men and women who have lost a loved one to suicide. These photo-stories challenge the stigma of mental illness and show there are alternatives to taking one’s life. Discussion will be led by UBC School of Nursing Professor John Oliffe beginning at. 7:00 PM, in the Valley View Funeral Home 14660 72^nd AvenueSurrey – 604-596-8866.

Free webinar

A free webinar will take place all day on September 10.

Current and on-going collaborations around suicide prevention also include the MHCC monthly webinar series, with all presentations archived at:  http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/suicide-prevention-webinar-series-archive

Learn more

As well as this year’s national CASP Conference – “Connecting Canada – Conversations About Community, Collaboration and Hope” (November 19, 20, 21), is going virtual in order to link with as many people as possible at minimum cost . To learn more – http://caspconference.ca/

To connect with us at SAFER: 604-675-3985.

This year on September 10 take 30 minutes to learn how you might save a life.  Make a connection and light a candle.  Suicide prevention is indeed everyone’s business and together we will make a difference.