Bell Let’s Talk supports suicide prevention training

Students in the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University now have the opportunity to enhance their skills through training that could save young lives. Thanks to funding from Bell Let’s Talk, interested students will receive training in suicide prevention.The $11,500 Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund grant provided support training on the Tattered Teddies and Straight talk curricula to four Nipissing employees.  Those employees are now certified to deliver those curricula to Schulich School of Education students.
The Tattered Teddies training consists of reviewing a child’s concept of death, protective factors, warning signs and risk factors, how to talk to a child and their caregivers about suicide and intervention strategies, self-care for the helper and information on how to follow up after an intervention. The Straight Talk curriculum uses a similar framework, but addresses the specific needs of youth age 12-24. Both programs were developed by the Centre for Suicide Prevention.
“Thank you to Bell Let’s Talk for recognizing the value in this project and for helping to bring the subject of mental health to the forefront. It is deeply troubling to think that suicide is even contemplated by the very young. If Nipissing can play a role in helping any child who might be suffering, then we will have accomplished a great deal,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, Nipissing University president. “Having multiple staff members at the university trained to deliver the Tattered Teddies and Straight Talk curricula allows us to offer greater value to our communities as well as our students.”
“While it breaks my heart that any child is driven to consider suicide, I am pleased that our students will have the chance to make a positive impact and prevent a terrible and tragic loss,” said Dr. Carole Richardson, dean of the Schulich School of Education. “Our students never cease to amaze me with their empathy and professionalism. I’m confident that many will choose to add this training to their repertoire, making them more skilled educators who make valuable contributions to their communities.”
“The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund is dedicated to improving access to mental health care at the grassroots level in communities from coast to coast to coast,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “This year, Nipissing is one of more than 50 local groups we’re supporting as they provide much-needed help to people living with mental illness while working to reduce the stigma surrounding this pervasive national health issue.”
The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is a national charitable and awareness program promoting mental health across Canada with the Bell Let's Talk Day anti-stigma campaign and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace initiatives. To learn more, please visitBell.ca/LetsTalk.