Peace River Family and Community Support Services is hosting Tough Enough to Talk About It, a workshop designed to help people in the trades, industry, and agricultural sectors.
The workshop will be held on May 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Peace Valley Inns in the Emerald Room.
“Peace River FCSS has been hosting suicide prevention workshops and courses for over 10 years to educate and bring awareness to our community,” says FCSS director Tamara Brunham.
“RCSP (Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention) is now offering a new 90-minute presentation for those in industries that may not normally communicate these types of supports,” she adds.
This particular workshop is designed to be a comprehensive mental health program. The workshop is designed to recognize the unique nature, risks, and rewards of the demanding sectors and their impact on mental health and well-being.
Brunham says suicide affects everyone and its vital to have resources to help them navigate the situation.
“Even if you have not had a loss in your immediate circle, chances are someone in your circle has been affected and knowing how to support them or someone who has come to you saying they are thinking about suicide requires action,” she says.
“A listening ear or shoulder to cry on is so important but having some education and resources could help long term. It is also important to bring people together for these types of events so people know they are not alone and that there are people who care.”
The evening will also provide a free meal to attendees. Brunham urges interested participants to ensure they attend the workshop.
“Rural regions do have higher rates of suicide, (it’s noted) historically males have been the primary gender employed in the targeted sector,” she says.
“Men are at greater risk for death by suicide in Alberta (Alberta Mental Health Board, 2006). In general, more males die by suicide each year as compared to females. Since 1981, males are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than females, according to the Alberta Mental Health Board.”
Brunham says the presentation will help people recognize signs of distress while emphasizing education, empathy, and communication.
“This presentation was created specifically for trades, industry and agriculture,” says Brunham.
“It will be more of a presentation style, but participants will be able to engage in discussions if they are comfortable.”
For extra information on the workshop and what it will entail, please visit https://www.toughenoughtotalk.org.
Emily Plihal,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
South Peace News
