Leading the Way: Centre for Suicide Prevention’s vital work in mental health support

Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSP), an institute of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division, is an education centre, a centre of excellence equipping Canadians to respond to people considering suicide. Established in 1981, CSP arose from pioneering research that revealed alarming suicide rates in the province. Today, it is dedicated to education, advocacy, and community support, while working to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care.

Empowering communities through education

CSP’s commitment to suicide prevention education is evident in its extensive resources, including the largest English-language collection of suicide-specific materials in the world, containing over 50,000 items. Mara Grunau, Chief Executive Officer, emphasizes the importance of providing information that individuals can utilize to support the people in their lives:

"Suicide affects everyone. We each can do our part by learning how to skillfully intervene with someone considering suicide, which includes and having open conversations about suicide. We all can play a role for someone who may be struggling or may be in crisis.”

By providing accessible educational tools and skills-training, CSP equips individuals and strengthens workplaces and communities to support people considering suicide, making it easier to find the support they need.

Training workshops can be found on CSP’s website. Workshops include safeTalk and ASIST which are designed to equip participants with effective intervention skills.

A new era of collaboration

A significant milestone for CSP was its recent amalgamation with CMHA-Alberta on September 1, 2024. This new integration aims to amplify community mental health and create enhanced access to mental health services across Alberta. Now leveraging both organization’s extensive partner networks, Mara highlights the advantages of these amplified relationships when it comes to raising the profile of suicide prevention:

“CSP aims to embed suicide prevention more deeply in community mental health care. This network will better steward community investment, encourage participation, and deliver targeted local programs, ultimately improving access and care for Albertans."

The newly formed organization is positioned to lead the province in comprehensive mental health support, focusing on training, advocacy, peer support and crisis response.

Fostering mental health in the workplace

Recognizing the critical intersection of mental health and workplace environments, CSP has developed initiatives like the Buddy Up campaign. This campaign provides a call to action for men by men, in workplaces and community. Buddy Up promotes authentic, caring conversations among men and their buddies so that when a buddy’s mental health deteriorates, the relationships are there for the support they need.

"The workplace is a major part of the lives of most Canadians. Many of us spend upwards of 60% of our waking hours at work. When a colleague dies by suicide, the emotional and financial costs are enormous. Workplaces need to have measures in place to inform and educate about suicide. It is an issue that cannot be ignored,” says Mara.

The importance of addressing mental health in the workplace has gained significant traction, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic which accelerated discussions about mental health challenges. Whether it be creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment or sharing accessible resources, CSP continues to deliver on their mandate to reduce stigma and increase help to people considering suicide. Check out CMHA’s workplace workshops and resources here, including the Working Stronger Conference coming up later this month in Edmonton.

Taking action together

Suicide is a pressing issue in Canada, impacting individuals from all walks of life. Through community engagement and a steadfast commitment to equipping people with the knowledge and skills required to respond to suicide risk, CSP is not only helping individuals in crisis but also paving the way for a more supportive society.

"Together, we can build a community where mental health is prioritized and no one feels alone in their struggles,” says Mara.

With a focus on collaboration and understanding, CSP continues to be a beacon of hope in the landscape of suicide prevention and mental health care.

For those looking to engage further, CSP offers a variety of resources, including the Buddy Up campaign and extensive training opportunities. Individuals in crisis can access immediate support by calling or texting 988, a 24/7 crisis line available across Canada.

For more information about Centre for Suicide Prevention, visit suicideinfo.ca.

Cenovus: Our Mental Health Pillar Partner

In an effort to continue reducing stigma and empowering strength, Cenovus Energy has become the Calgary Chamber's Mental Health Pillar Partner. This transformational three-year partnership will promote mental health awareness, resources and education across all sectors and business sizes. It will also encourage employers, leaders and employees to maintain an ongoing focus on their own well-being and the well-being of those around them.