REGINA, Sask. — The Government of Saskatchewan is awarding 44 grants to community partners to support suicide prevention initiatives across the province.
The Suicide Prevention Grant Program encourages community partners to develop creative ways to support suicide prevention, with a focus on training and skills development, increasing awareness of resources, reducing stigma and helping communities to take action, according to Sask. Health.
Funding totals more than $400,000, with each successful applicant receiving up to $10,000.
Applications were accepted from groups such as community-based organizations, Indigenous communities, school divisions and municipalities.
"This funding means a great deal to us because it gives us an opportunity to continue building conversations around mental health, suicide prevention and community wellbeing in a way that is culturally responsive and accessible," Afro Tribes Festival Incorporated founder and CEO Victor Ejike said.
"Through our Stay Alive campaign, we want to create safe spaces where people feel comfortable talking about mental health, seeking support and, most importantly, knowing that they are not alone.
"This grant will help us reach more people, strengthen community connections and continue the conversation that can ultimately save lives."
Grants for the second year of the Suicide Prevention Grant Program come as the province recognizes Sept. 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day.
The grant program is part of Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan. Released in 2020, Pillars for Life is a guide for government and partners to improve and expand suicide prevention efforts in the province.
In addition to the Suicide Prevention Grant Program, several key provincial suicide prevention initiatives include:
- funding the community-led Roots of Hope suicide prevention initiative in five northern Saskatchewan communities;
- funding a provincial Rapid Access Counselling for Suicide Loss program through Family Service Saskatchewan, which supports the immediate psychological needs of families and friends of people who have died by suicide or survived with significant injury or trauma;
- support of a family engagement group to gather feedback from families who have experienced suicide loss;
- development and distribution of suicide prevention wallet cards;
- support for suicide prevention public awareness campaigns to inform individuals that help is available for people thinking of, or affected by, suicide; and
- promotion of the national Suicide Crisis Helpline, 9-8-8.
For a list of groups receiving a Suicide Prevention Grant, visit: saskatchewan.ca/suicide-prevention-grant.
To learn about resources available on suicide prevention and mental health, visit: saskatchewan.ca/suicide-prevention.
