More training is being offered in the midst of what some are calling a suicide crisis in Saskatchewan.
Over a dozen people from northern Saskatchewan and other parts of the country are taking part in a three-day workshop in Saskatoon on suicide prevention.
It is hoped they can return to their communities and hold their own training sessions on suicide awareness.
Officials say it’s important to be proactive.
“We’re empowering the people from all the different communities in Saskatchewan and Canada, for that matter, and letting them know that they can deliver this three-hour workshop, it’s called safeTalk,” Terry Chapman said Tuesday at Good Shepard Lutheran Church.
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“What I really like about this kind of training is we’re empowering our communities in the north … to be able to help their own people.”
READ MORE: Candle light vigil held in La Ronge after sixth youth suicide in northern Sask.
Chapman said it’s important to be proactive, as opposed to reactive in critical situations like one seen in the north.
“People think that it can’t happen to me, it can’t happen to us but suicide is everywhere – suicide can happen to anyone and if we can start teaching them that there are other options than suicide then you know what, we’ve saved people and that’s the important part,” Chapman said.
“Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma attached to suicide … people don’t want to say the word.”
READ MORE: Rash of Saskatchewan youth suicides triggers cross-Canada response
For more information about Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), visit the Suicide Interventions website.
Another workshop is in the works for December.
Meaghan Craig contributed to this story
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