Global Vision, Local Action into Suicide Prevention
| Individual (Skill-Building) | Subsidize and host clinical training (e.g., CBT-SP, DBT) for local private practices. Provide localized safety-planning templates in community centers and libraries. |
| Social (Networking) | Roll out gatekeeper training* for local teachers, first responders, and sports coaches. Launch localized anti-stigma campaigns targeted at specific community hubs. |
| Clinical (Inter-Jurisdiction/ Institutional Transitions and Physical Spaces) | Establish explicit protocol agreements between local police and hospital psychiatric emergency services. Implement a 24–72 hour post-discharge follow-up protocol handled by local community health boards. |
| Environmental (Policy, Stigma, Resource Allocation) | Conduct physical audits of local infrastructure to implement lethal means restriction (e.g., installing barriers on local bridges, restricting access to high-risk areas). Localize promotion of the national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline via municipal transit and municipal billing inserts |
Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training in Canada *
Gatekeeper suicide prevention training programs available across Canada provide structured, evidence-based instruction to teach community members how to recognize warning signs, engage in safe conversations, and connect individuals to life-saving resources. These programs operationalize the social and community pillars of suicide prevention.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) courses are widely accessible across Canada in both English and French through regional health authorities, community organizations, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Local providers and options to register include:
- CMHA Ottawa: Offers regular CMHA Ottawa workshops open to community members, professionals, and youth aged 16 and older. Link: https://ottawa.cmha.ca/
- Canadian First-Aid Training: Offers 14-hour courses which teach practical intervention skills; view class dates directly with Canadian First-Aid Training. Link: https://www.canadian-training.ca/
- National Centers: Review course overviews and find workshop locations across the country via the Centre for Suicide Prevention. Visit: https://www.suicideinfo.ca/
- Specialized Training: Delivered through groups like the Canadian Training Institute to support public and private sector helpers. Explore: https://www.canadiantraininginstitute.com/
- Explore more: https://www.ontarioshores.ca/suicide-prevention-workshops
Updated: July 7, 2026
* Praxis-Forum offers a Human Rights-Based (UNDRIP) inspired 2 day workshop on Suicide prevention, for rural and isolated communities, that differs in scope and perspective from the above referenced ASSIST training programs.
UNDRIP (definition): United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007).
Please visit our Events link for more information at: https://www.praxis-forum.com/events