The following is a press release from the Partnerships for Life Initiative, established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The letter to Prime Minister Trudeau was endorsed by CASP and other organizations.
National suicide prevention strategies aim to establish a coordinated and sustained multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicide, yet only around 40 countries currently have a formalised national strategy to reduce suicides. Suicide continues be a leading cause of death globally and the world is currently not on track to achieving the one third reduction in suicide mortality rates as laid out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Suicide prevention experts and stakeholders from around the world are increasing awareness around the need for national strategies towards preventing suicides through the Partnerships for Life Initiative, established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The initiative acts as a global collaborative forum supporting the development of a comprehensive, strategic approach to suicide prevention through National Suicide Prevention Strategies.
Positive calls from within Canada to build on national suicide prevention efforts are part of this growing momentum. A letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, relevant Ministers and all major political parties expressing support for the development of a National Suicide Prevention Strategy to unify and strengthen existing efforts in reducing suicide within the country was signed by 128 leading experts from 30 countries. It was also endorsed by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention Ottawa, and all members of the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada.
The advocacy letter, delivered today to the Prime Minister’s office, emphasizes the opportunity Canada has, as a leading G7 nation, to become a world leader in national suicide prevention. Experts underscored the critical need for a coordinated cross-sectoral strategy, led at the federal level, that addresses the multifaceted challenges surrounding suicide prevention.
Dr. Mark Sinyor, Regional Programme Lead for Partnerships For Life in the Americas and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto is optimistic that the growing efforts within Canada could lead to a National Suicide Prevention Strategy in the near future.
“We are hopeful that this call will add momentum to Canadian efforts to enhance existing support for suicide prevention like the recent 3-digit (988) national crisis line number. Canada needs a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention and we are now well positioned to make that a reality.” Dr Mark Sinyor, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.
Alongside the Partnerships for Life Initiative, The International Association for Suicide Prevention continues to promote and advocate for the development of coordinated strategies, or efforts towards them. IASP’s Policy Position recommends that every country should adopt, or make progress towards the adoption of, a national suicide prevention strategy aimed at reducing rates of suicidal behaviour.
“Suicide is a global public health concern, and as experts committed to saving lives, we recognise the significance of a concerted effort on a national level. Efforts such as this from Canada present a real opportunity for positive change.” Professor Rory O’Connor, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
Partnerships for Life networks are active in each of the six WHO regions, identifying contacts in over 60% of countries, in the context of a global five-year programme that takes into account the stage of suicide prevention strategy development in each country. The initiative is led by a steering group chaired by Professor Stephen Platt. For more information, click here.
For those in media, please ensure you list Canada’s new 9-8-8 crisis number when reporting on suicide prevention. It is available 24/7 by phone or text. We also recommend media follow the recommended guidelines when reporting on suicide. Read more here.
Resources
pdf
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12
pdf
A high-level overview of what to consider when using suicide risk assessment tools
pdf
A summary of tools and supports to help cope with suicide loss
article
Sharing the Story of the Promoting Life Together Collaborative
pdf
The four steps in Suicide Prevention and universal responsibilities of the community, healthcare, and government.
pdf
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children and youth
pdf
Taking action on social media to prevent suicide
pdf
CASP has put together a resource list of Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion initiatives across...
pdf
Printable pdf to promote suicide prevention and bereavement resources.
pdf
Best practices for facilitating safe and effective suicide bereavement support groups.
pdf
15 to 24 year-olds had the highest rates of mood and anxiety disorders of all age groups.
article
Engage in dialogue with compassion and curiosity that can promote understanding and connection
pdf
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
The following is a press release from the Partnerships for Life Initiative, established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The letter to Prime Minister Trudeau was endorsed by CASP and other organizations.
Growing Momentum for the Development of National Suicide Prevention Strategies: A Letter to the Prime Minister of Canada
National suicide prevention strategies aim to establish a coordinated and sustained multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicide, yet only around 40 countries currently have a formalised national strategy to reduce suicides. Suicide continues be a leading cause of death globally and the world is currently not on track to achieving the one third reduction in suicide mortality rates as laid out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Suicide prevention experts and stakeholders from around the world are increasing awareness around the need for national strategies towards preventing suicides through the Partnerships for Life Initiative, established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The initiative acts as a global collaborative forum supporting the development of a comprehensive, strategic approach to suicide prevention through National Suicide Prevention Strategies.
Positive calls from within Canada to build on national suicide prevention efforts are part of this growing momentum. A letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, relevant Ministers and all major political parties expressing support for the development of a National Suicide Prevention Strategy to unify and strengthen existing efforts in reducing suicide within the country was signed by 128 leading experts from 30 countries. It was also endorsed by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention Ottawa, and all members of the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada.
The advocacy letter, delivered today to the Prime Minister’s office, emphasizes the opportunity Canada has, as a leading G7 nation, to become a world leader in national suicide prevention. Experts underscored the critical need for a coordinated cross-sectoral strategy, led at the federal level, that addresses the multifaceted challenges surrounding suicide prevention.
Dr. Mark Sinyor, Regional Programme Lead for Partnerships For Life in the Americas and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto is optimistic that the growing efforts within Canada could lead to a National Suicide Prevention Strategy in the near future.
Alongside the Partnerships for Life Initiative, The International Association for Suicide Prevention continues to promote and advocate for the development of coordinated strategies, or efforts towards them. IASP’s Policy Position recommends that every country should adopt, or make progress towards the adoption of, a national suicide prevention strategy aimed at reducing rates of suicidal behaviour.
Partnerships for Life networks are active in each of the six WHO regions, identifying contacts in over 60% of countries, in the context of a global five-year programme that takes into account the stage of suicide prevention strategy development in each country. The initiative is led by a steering group chaired by Professor Stephen Platt. For more information, click here.
For those in media, please ensure you list Canada’s new 9-8-8 crisis number when reporting on suicide prevention. It is available 24/7 by phone or text. We also recommend media follow the recommended guidelines when reporting on suicide. Read more here.
Resources
Talking to Children About A Suicide
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12
Suicide Risk Assessment Kit
A high-level overview of what to consider when using suicide risk assessment tools
Toolkit for People Impacted by a Suicide Loss
A summary of tools and supports to help cope with suicide loss
The Promoting Life Together Collaborative
Sharing the Story of the Promoting Life Together Collaborative
Suicide is Everyone’s Business
The four steps in Suicide Prevention and universal responsibilities of the community, healthcare, and government.
Supporting Children and Youth to Grieve After Suicide Loss
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children and youth
Guide for Social Media Professionals
Taking action on social media to prevent suicide
Suicide Prevention & Life Promotion Initiatives
CASP has put together a resource list of Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion initiatives across...
Suicide Prevention Flyer and Tear Sheet
Printable pdf to promote suicide prevention and bereavement resources.
Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: Guide
Best practices for facilitating safe and effective suicide bereavement support groups.
Announcing the Launch of our Suicide Bereavement Support Group Facilitators Network
Statistics – Depression and suicidal ideation among Canadians aged 15 to 24
15 to 24 year-olds had the highest rates of mood and anxiety disorders of all age groups.
Vocabulary – How to Talk about Suicide
Engage in dialogue with compassion and curiosity that can promote understanding and connection
Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
Related Information
Forests of Hope – New Program
Lean in and Listen
World Suicide Prevention Day Banners & Toolkit
Events
History
Annual Reports
Board of Directors