A training session on suicide alertness will be offered in Moose Jaw next month. 

The three-hour session SafeTalk session starts at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 at the St Andrew’s Church Lounge at 60 Athabasca St E, and it is open to anyone 15 or older. They have space for 25 people, and pre-registration is required. Those interested can email donnaatsu@gmail.com 

The session is offered through Journey to Hope Moose Jaw and aims to give people useful information according to session trainer, Donna Atsu-Bowyer. 

“[It’s] learning to be able to identify somebody who’s having thoughts of suicide, and then to be able to connect them to somebody who can do the intervention or keep them safe.” 

Atsu-Bowyer has conducted over 50 SafeTalk sessions, and said they cover the signs and symptoms of suicide, myths and misinformation, and why people don’t talk to others about experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

“We’ve got to make it safe for people to be able to let someone know that they’re having thoughts of suicide.” 

Atsu-Bowyer said anyone who is concerned about a safer community should attend and added that she would particularly like to see coaches who work with youth sign up.  

“Coaches have worked with youth that have a lot of pressure on them, and I think they will be one of the safe people that may notice some of those signs of somebody – a youth – having thoughts of suicide.” 

“This isn’t something that’s just adults. We need to have teachers, we need to have caretakers, parents, friends – everybody – to be able to help keep our community safer.” 

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988 at any time.