A safe space to talk and assistance are needed for those contemplating suicide and the Weyburn branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is offering just that. 

The safeTALK and ASIST workshop courses are coming up in June and will teach those who attend how to spot the warning signs of somebody contemplating suicide and get a potential suicide victim some help.

"Both workshops are, I would say, undervalued but much needed within our community. Having the skills that are provided through both of these workshops could definitely save a life," Tasha Collins, program director for the Weyburn CMHA.

According to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP), roughly 11 Canadians commit suicide every day and more than 200 others will attempt it. For each death by suicide, CASP said it has been estimated that the lives of 7-10 bereaved ‘Survivors” are profoundly affected. This means that today in Canada 77-110 people will become newly bereaved by suicide. To be certain, suicide is a critical public health issue in Canada. In Canada suicide is one of the top ten leading causes of death, with rates increasing over the past 60 years. In 2012, suicide is ranked as the 9th leading cause of death in Canada. According to Statistics

In Canada suicide is one of the top 10 leading causes of death, with rates increasing over the past 60 years. In 2012, suicide is ranked as the ninth leading cause of death in Canada CASP said. According to Statistics Canada there were 3,926 suicides in the year 2012.

In Weyburn, the CMHA has arranged a safeTALK workshop for June 8 and the ASSIST workshop is scheduled for June 13 and 14.

SafeTALK is a certificate workshop which can be completed in one afternoon. It is designed for anybody aged 15 and older. Collins said those who attend the workshop will learn how to spot the signs of suicidal thought in people close to them and how to get them further professional help to, hopefully, prevent suicide. This workshop costs $65.

ASIST stands for "Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training". Collins said this two-day course is more intense than safeTALK and it would be a good idea to take the safeTALK workshop first. It is a two-day workshop, designed to assist professionals and caregivers to connect with people at risk by exploring thoughts of suicide by asking about suicide; understand the reasons behind the suicidal thoughts and learn how to review the risk and how to assist the person at risk in creating a safe plan.

CMHA Weyburn is offering ASIST in partnership with the Sun Country Health Region. It costs $150 to attend.

CLICK HERE for a link to the CMHA's website where you can register for the courses.