Suicide awareness program helps people recognize, address suicidal signals

A new Steinbach program will offer people training for the “basic skill” of helping someone who is considering suicide.

SafeTALK, a suicide awareness program, will be offered at Pat Porter Active Living Centre for the first time on Dec. 4.

“You don’t know the impact that a listening ear or just having someone ask how their day is, or ask if they’re okay, can have on somebody,” said Carrie Bilawchuk, community wellness coordinator at Pat Porter Active Living Centre.

The three to four hour presentation educates people on what to look for when someone might be considering suicide and teaches people how to identify that person and address them in a safe way, she said.

The training’s purpose is not to be the direct intervention, but help connect individuals with the resources that can help them, Bilawchuk noted.

“Sometimes when people do this or say this, or whatever it is that you’re noticing, they’re thinking of suicide,” she said “It’s really about listening and then responding appropriately.”

Bilawchuk said there’s a need to normalize conversations about suicide. When people are considering suicide, they often give out messages or signals, in hopes that someone will notice them, she said.

“It’s giving you some tools and some education on things that someone who is contemplating suicide might say or do or think, or how they may be acting, and how you can respond to that. Not out of fear, but just being able to be like, ‘Hey, you know what? Let’s get you some help,’” Bilawchuk said.

The education will also include what resources people should direct someone towards and what’s available locally.

The program is open for anyone 15-years-old and older. She said anyone would benefit from the information because it tunes you into those around you, whether it’s a stranger or a child.

The first 10 people who register for the program will be free thanks to a grant. Anyone after that will have to pay $30 for the session. The first session runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Two more sessions will be offered in 2026.

Once the last session is held, Bilawchuk said she will continue to train. The presentation could be held for different workplaces in Southeastern Manitoba or future sessions could be held at Pat Porter Active Living Centre.

To register, people can call Pat Porter Active Living Center at 204-320-4600.