There are many charities in Saint John and the surrounding area. You’ve probably heard some of their names, but may not know exactly what they do. Each week, we’ll highlight a different organization, sharing who they are and the work they do. We’ll also let you know about any upcoming events where you can learn more or get involved.
This week’s Charity of the Week is the Greater Saint John Suicide Prevention Committee.
We are a team of volunteers with various backgrounds and employments, who are all passionate about working together to try and decrease stigma around mental health and suicide, as well as decrease rates of death by suicide through raising awaresness, education, and supporting mental health initatives. We work to increase awareness, reduce stigma, improve access to supports, and strengthen protective factors through education, outreach, and partnership-building. We provide Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), host and participate in community events and present at various locations (work places, schools) in order to improve awareness and help guide people to support.
We host several events throughout the year. Coming up in May for Mental Health week, we are hosting a free community BBQ on May 6th at Wheel House Saint John in partnership with the Kennebecasis Lion’s Club. We have an ASIST training May 4-5th and another in September.
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day and every year we hold a wellness fair and walk. It includes approximately 25 community organizations who set up tables to inform the public about what services are available in our community. The walk is called Stomp out Stigma and this year is September 26th at the Brunswicker.
For more information about the Greater Saint John Suicide Prevention Committee, visit their website https://https://www.sjsuicideprevention.ca/ or find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sjsuicidepreventioncommittee/.
Support this worthy cause!
