NEOFACS Encourages the Community to Create Hope Through Action in Support of Suicide Prevention
TIMMINS, ON — North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is encouraging everyone to acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The annually recognized day is about raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging action to help reduce instances of suicide. The international theme this year is "Creating Hope Through Action".
On Saturday, September 10, 2022, be the light and create hope through action by joining the movement to prevent suicide and save lives with the “Take 5 to Save Lives” campaign. This public awareness campaign encourages everyone to take 5 minutes out of their day and complete five steps that focus on preventing suicide. Check out http://www.take5tosavelives.org to learn more. The five steps include:
- LEARN the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors of suicide. Learning the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors of suicide will better prepare you to take action and could help save a life.
- KNOW how to help yourself and others who may be struggling. By knowing exactly what to say and do, you'll be ready to act and keep yourself, your friends, and your family safe.
- DO raise awareness, advocate for change, volunteer, and practice self-care. Learn ways you can bring the suicide prevention movement to your school, workplace, or community.
- TALK about suicide, dispel myths, and reduce stigma. Learn how talking about suicide safely and responsibly can reduce negative stigma and lead to increased help-seeking.
- SHARE Take 5 to Save Lives with others. Help spread the word about Take 5 to Save Lives. Pledge to share the campaign with at least five people!
NEOFACS invites the community to use the hashtags #WSPD and #BeTheLight and show their support by posting a picture holding up 5 fingers on social media. By sharing the message, they can help make a difference by showing support for suicide prevention and awareness. An action, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to someone who is struggling.
“If you are a parent or caregiver and you’re concerned about changes in your child’s behaviour, please reach out to us for help,” said Nathalie Rochon, Director of Services for Children’s Mental Health Services at NEOFACS. “Our child and youth mental health services are available throughout the region. We are here to help children and youth, as well as their families.”
NEOFACS offers a number of voluntary programs and services for children and youth under 18 years of age, as well as for parents and families, who are experiencing mental health difficulties, crisis situations, or family breakdowns. Mobile Crisis Services, which are a coordinated community-based mental health response, are offered 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to respond to children, youth and families who are in crisis.
“It’s common to feel worried, stressed or anxious at times. For some children and youth, stress and anxiety can progress into more serious mental health challenges,” said Karen Gurr, Program Supervisor for Children’s Mental Health Services at NEOFACS. “We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing challenges. It’s important to let them know that they are not alone and there are resources available that can help.”
Community members in need of help are encouraged to reach out to the services available in their community, including NEOFACS, or if they know a young person or family in need of support. You can reach NEOFACS by phone 24/7 at 705-360-7100 or toll-free at 1-800-665-7743 in the Cochrane District or 1-866-229-5437 in the Timiskaming District.
In emergencies, when a child or youth needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger, please call 911. You can also get support from a crisis line like Kids Help Phone (call 1-800-668-6868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca), Talk Suicide Canada (call 1-833-456-4566 or visit talksuicide.ca), or Hope for Wellness Help Line (call 1-855-242-3310 or visit hopeforwellness.ca), that all offer 24/7 support.
