Suicide Awareness
Opening up a Dialogue, Exploring the Myths, Reducing the Stigma
Knowing what to look for when someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts can empower people to respond effectively and offer support to someone struggling. These sessions will open up a dialogue about suicide, explore the myths surrounding this topic, and help participants feel more comfortable with this difficult topic.
Facilitated byThe Outreach Centre
Players & Parents 5-9 year olds (1 hour):
Players and parents will spend the hour discussing feelings, identifying trusted adults and the importance of sharing feelings with a trusted adult. Participants will be reminded that feelings are never wrong and it is important to share all feelings even if it may be uncomfortable
Parents & Players 10-13 year olds (2 hours):
In this session parents and players will explore mental health, the warning signs of suicide and how to identify when a friend might be struggling. The importance of getting help for a friend from a trusted adult will be stressed and those adults will be identified.
Parents/Coaches of 10-13 year olds (2 hours):
This session will allow parents and coaches to receive the same information as the players but with the added information of appropriate responses if identified as the trusted adult. Community resources will also be shared so the parents and coaches have places to contact if concerned about a child.
Players 14-17 yr olds (2hours):
In this session, the players will learn about mental health and suicide and how to identify and respond if they are concerned about a friend who is struggling. The appropriate questions to ask will be shared so those who choose to engage with a friend can be as effective as possible.
Parents/Coaches of 14-17 year olds (2 hours):
This session will mirror the content of the session the players will receive with the added component of how to respond if a player approaches the adult about their own concerns or those of a friend. Community resources will also be shared so the parents and coaches have places to contact if concerned about a child.
Dressing Room Moments
Coaches will be given the tools and resources to use on the bench and the dressing room. Words are important so they’ll be able to share those as well with their team. Some examples would be:
“Use one word to describe how you are feeling about today’s game”
“What did you learn today”
“One word to describe how you’re feeling today”
Outcomes for Players
Players will learn about mental health and suicide and how to identify and respond if they are concerned about a friend who is struggling. They will also learn the importance of maintaining their own mental health
Outcomes for Coaches
Coaches will learn about mental health and suicide and how to identify and respond if they are concerned about a player who is struggling and how to respond if a player approaches the adult about their own concerns or those of a friend.
Outcomes for Parents
Parents will explore mental health and learn the warning signs of suicide and how to identify when a child might be struggling. Parents and coaches will learn appropriate responses if identified as the trusted adult.
Facilitators The Outreach Centre, Red Deer
“The Outreach Centre provides education and support regarding suicide, homelessness, poverty and domestic violence throughout Central Alberta. It is our vision that all Albertans have the opportunity to reach their full potential and benefit from the highest possible quality of life. Our educators have over 20 years of combined experience teaching to children in kindergarten through grade 12 as well as adult groups; our sessions are customized to address the needs and timeframe of the requesting groups and include opportunity for participant questions.”
