On World Suicide Prevention Day, Province of BC provides valuable links to provincial programs

Today is the day marked to Observe World Suicide Prevention Day, the initiative is one put in place to raise awareness, reduce stigma and offer hope to those facing challenging times.

As part of the day's observation the Provincial Government has provided both a statement and some links to provincial programs to provide some help and a forum for those that may wish to just talk.

“On World Suicide Prevention Day, we come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma and share stories of resilience and hope. Suicides are preventable, and we all have a role to play in saving lives. I have deep appreciation for the work of our care providers, community partners and families who care for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide. Suicide does not discriminate and people from all walks of life can be at risk. Suicide and suicidal thoughts can be hard to talk about. That’s why it is so important to reach out to someone who is struggling, let them know you care and help them connect to resources." -- Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions 

As part of her information relay on the day, the Minister called attention to the support options available in the province.

“If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there is help. In an emergency, call 911, 1 800 SUICIDE for crisis support anytime, or 310-6789 (no area code needed) for emotional support or information. Indigenous people can call the Kuu-us crisis line (1 800 588-8717) for culturally specific assistance."

More on the province's well being program can be accessed here.

Also today with the return to school underway across British Columbia, the province announced a new resource that has been made available, the program is called Let’s Talk About Suicide, and is designed to support faculty and staff in B.C. post-secondary institutions. 

B.C. post-secondary students experiencing mental health concerns can also access Here2Talk, a free and confidential, always available mental health counselling and referral service.

You can access the Here2Talk service here.

More notes on today's observation of World Suicide Prevention Day can be reviewed here.

For further items of note from the BC government and the Legislature see our archive page here.