When I was 17 years old and in grade 12, I lost my father to suicide. Although I believe that my teachers had good intentions, there was no conversation. I felt that I was not allowed to talk about losing my father to suicide. My teachers had no tools, so how could anyone expect them to talk about suicide. Almost 30 years later, on February 11th, 150 people will talk SafeTALK at the School of Education at Laurentian University. Mostly Education students but also veteran teachers and other community leaders will come together to take SafeTALK (gatekeper training). This is not only a significant step towards prevention but also a monumental step into an open dialogue on suicide.

http://www.livingworks.net/page/safeTALK

I encourage everyone who is taking part and teachers everywhere to leave your comments about my presentation and the events coming up on February 11th.
Thank you because not talking about it isn’t working.