 What is Working, What is Hopeful....
This publication is now available on-line.
Click Here.
Click here for information
on how to obtain a printed copy.
This work represents one part of the work by the author and
others who are interested in learning about what communities are
doing to prevent suicide and more specifically those efforts that
have been successful in reducing suicide and its impact. While this
publication focuses on Indigenous communities, through this web-site
all communities are welcome to submit stories about the activities
that they found worked, or are hopeful.
Through these stories we can increase our collective knowledge.
Consider this an Open Source project - all are welcome to contribute
in creating something we can all benefit from. |
An Open Letter of Concern regarding
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
As you are aware the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, formed in June
of 2008 is set with the important work of telling the story of Canada’s
residential schools, their impact and the job of reconciling the damage
which is one of Canada’s darkest historical chapters.
More...
I came across the following at the Ottawa Folk Festival. This is a
great example of non-traditional ways of reducing suicide and promoting
life. Like many initiatives they are seeking donations, but have
also suggested some creative ways of being involved. Check out their web
site.
The ArtsCan Circle is an independent, volunteer-run
group working to link creative artists with Native youth at risk in
Canada. Our hope is to encourage self-esteem amongst Native youth in
isolated communities through a cooperative exploration of the arts.
Reasons for Living Website This
is a research study that is collecting the stories of people who have
attempted or seriously contemplated suicide but now want to go on
living. The Project will study and share these anonymous stories for
research, education and inspiration. This project is supported through
the St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University.
The "Honouring Life" website is now on-line. This website developed
through the National Aboriginal Health Organization and funded under the
National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (First Nations
Inuit Health) provides resources for youth and those who work with
youth.
Check it out at:
www.honouringlife.ca |
Suicide Contagion and the
Media A primary concern is the role of contagion and
cluster effects in the aftermath of a death by suicide. Cluster effects
refers to a number of suicides and/or suicide attempts that occur
closer in time and space than would be expected for a given community.
Suicide Contagion refers to the tendency of suicidal behaviour to
influence additional suicidal behaviour*.
While media through responsible reporting can play a positive role in
suicide prevention, there are situations in which stories about suicide
can contribute to suicide contagion. It is not the story per se, but a
number of characteristics that are found to increase the risk for
suicide. These characteristics* include:
- Presenting simplistic explanations for suicide.
- Engaging in repetitive, ongoing or excessive reporting of
suicide.
- Providing sensationalistic coverage of suicide.
- Reporting "how to" descriptions of suicide.
- Presenting suicide as a tool for accomplishing certain ends.
- Glorifying suicide or persons who commit suicide.
- Focusing on the suicide completer's positive characteristics.
*Taken from "The Challenge of Suicide
Clusters", SIEC Alert #36, July 1999
The following resources provide information about media
and suicide contagion including recommendations on how to reduce
contagion effects.
April 19, 2007 - Complicity
The Great Disconnect -
March 23, 2007
An Open Letter to the
Globe and Mail,
January
13, 2007
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