SPEAK (Suicide Prevention Education Awareness Knowledge)

A Message To Those Who Have Had A Loved One Die By Suicide
If you are new to the tragedy of suicide, pain and despair may be your companions. We at SPEAK hope you find some time to rest your burden and share it with those of us who need no explanation. You are not alone. We can help. The fact that someone died by suicide does not diminish our love for them, their value, and the contribution they made to our families and communities and our right and need to celebrate and honour their lives and accomplishments

Suicide Grief
The grief process following a suicide may be very different from grief experienced with other losses. Grief is an active process involving choices. Each person’s process is unique. There is no one correct way to grieve. What we do know is that with sharing and support we can move to hope and healing. For more information on suicide grief please visit www.suicideprevention.ca.

Why do people die by suicide?
Suicide is a complex issue involving many factors and should not be attributed to any on single cause. Many people who experience suicidal thoughts and feelings are suffering tremendous emotional pain. People who have died by suicide typically had overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, despair, and helplessness.  People considering suicide feel as though their pain will never end and even when surrounded by caring family and friends may feel alone and unable to reach out to those who love them.

Many factors and circumstance can contribute to someone’s decision to end his/her life. Factors such as loss, addictions, trauma, depression, physical and mental illness and major life changes can make someone feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. It is important to remember that it isn’t necessarily the nature of the loss or stressor that is important as is the individual’s experience of these things and which makes it unbearable for them.

About SPEAK
SPEAK was started in 2001 by a group of five families who all had children who died by suicide. Their goal was to share their knowledge and experience and provide compassion and support to others who were grieving. In addition to offering peer support to others who were bereaved, SPEAK committed itself to promoting suicide prevention through public education and awareness. In 2009 SPEAK received funding from the Department of Health and Healthy Living, Government of Manitoba. In 2010,SPEAK’s Board of Directors approved a plan to merge with Klinic Community Health Centre and relocate to Klinic’s offices at 870 Portage Avenue, in Winnipeg.

SPEAK Services

Services are free and confidential.
1) Peer Support Group: An open monthly drop-in support group. Groups are led by caring volunteers, people who themselves have experienced a loved one dying by suicide. This group takes place the last Monday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Klinic Community Health Centre’s 870 Portage Avenue site. If you are considering attending one of our support groups you are invited to contact our office at 784-4064. We encourage you to check us out. You’re not alone.

2) Individual and Group Counselling: Klinic offers both individual and group counselling to people bereaved by suicide. Counselling groups are closed and typically run for twelve weeks. Groups are facilitated by a trained counsellor experienced in suicide loss and trauma recovery. To meet with a counsellor please contact Klinic’s Intake coordinator at 784-4055.

3) Public Education and Awareness: Working with the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP), of which it is a member, SPEAK serves as a resource centre on issues related to suicide prevention and  suicide bereavement. SPEAK has developed or has access to resource materials including;

“After a Suicide: A Practical and Personal Guide for Survivors” from After a Suicide: A Resource for People Bereaved by Suicide
 “Suicide Grief: A Resource Guide for Early and First Responders”

Either through SPEAK or Klinic’s Community Health Education Program, Klinic can provide speakers to community and professional groups on suicide prevention, intervention and Postvention or can set up display tables at community events. For more information on public education and training please visit www.klinic.mb.ca or call 1-204-784-4206.

If You Are Grieving or in Crisis
The Manitoba Suicide Line1-877-435-7171 is a 24 hour phone line counselling service for people who have been affected by a suicide death, people who are having thoughts and feelings of suicide or those concerned about someone who may be at risk of suicide.

For more information on the Manitoba Suicide Line visit www.reasontolive.ca. In person counselling is also available through Klinic’s Drop-In Counselling Program. For hours of operation please call 784-4067 or visit the home page of Klinic’s website at www.klinic.mb.ca.