Guelph Community Foundation Grant Makes Big Impact in Guelph-Wellington

In October, CMHA WW was fortunate to receive a grant to offer five free SafeTALK trainings in Guelph Wellington. Evidence suggests that a community where suicide SafeTALK training is prevalent can reduce suicidal activity. SafeTALK is a training for individuals to understand the warning signs of suicide, how to manage suicidal ideation and how to seek formal health care supports. Similar to taking a physical “first aid” course, SafeTALK can also prevent lives lost.

Our first free SafeTALK was held in Fergus. Kristen Drexler and her teenage daughter Daelin attended the workshop together.

“I had expected SafeTALK to be good because of the positive comments I heard from peers and it was all true! I was really impressed by the way it was delivered and the messages that were shared. I participated with my 15 year old daughter as something I was hoping to be a tool for her when her peers are struggling. It is hard to watch them feel the weight and responsibility of having a friend struggle. I feel we are both much better prepared and more aware now and I am proud that I can help my community in a new way now,” said Kristen Drexler.

This is what Kristen’s daughter, Daelin had to say about the safeTALK training,”It has been tough going from a small elementary school and finding my way in a large high school. It seems like I always know someone who is struggling with mental health. SafeTALK has helped me help my peers. I feel relieved that I don’t have to have all the solutions or always have the right things to say. SafeTALK has prepared me to be supportive and keep myself safe and I am grateful to have that.”

The Guelph Community Foundation grant has allowed us to offer five free SafeTALK workshops for residents of Guelph Wellington throughout the year. Thirty people are able to attend each workshop, which will mean 150 new people will be trained in SafeTALK. These workshops assist residents of Guelph-Wellington in gaining a deeper understanding of suicide prevention techniques, including how to see early warning signs and how to access mental health supports when needed.

On February 23rd we will host a free SafeTALK training in Elora, click here to register. We are offering a free training in Guelph on April 13th, click here to register as well as on May 7th in Guelph, click here to register.

The Guelph Community Foundation is an independent, volunteer-driven charitable foundation whose purpose is to provide leadership in promoting community philanthropy and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Guelph and surrounding communities. The Foundation pools the charitable gifts of many donors into permanent, income-earning endowments. Income from the endowments supports a wide range of charitable programs and activities. For more information, visit www.guelphcf.ca.