News & Events 

On Sunday March 1st, 11 Cam’s Kids Ambassadors from Durham Region and Trent University gathered at Ontario Tech University to attend the safeTALK alertness training session, to learn how to identify and avert suicide risks.

“safeTALK is a half-day alertness training that prepares anyone 15 or older, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. safeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST. ”This training gave our Ambassadors the opportunity to become comfortable with asking someone in a mental health crisis if they are contemplating suicide and knowing what steps need to be taken, if the response is yes. This safeTALK session helped to remove the stigma surrounding the word suicide and empowered us with the confidence to be able to “do something”. Being able to ask someone, “Are you considering suicide?” could save someone's life. 

Over 50 Ambassadors are now safeTALK certified and we are so excited to keep growing this number! If you wish to join a future training date, please email our National Coordinator Vanessa Morgan at [email protected]!