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Community agencies help open dialogue about suicide by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 31 | Thursday, July 9, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Halton Regional Police Service is partnering with the Canadian Mental Health AssociationHalton Region Branch, the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) and the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition to roll out an initiative aimed at making it easier for residents to talk to people in need about suicide. This follows considerable talk and local media coverage in the region on how society can address the "ever-present issue" of suicide. "Lots of people are talking about suicide, though people may not feel they know how to support someone because of fear and discomfort," said Const. Kris Elliott, of Halton police's Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) program. "Talking about, and being able to identify, someone who needs help is something we all have to take part in." To help with this task, the group has created `SafeTALK,' a three-hour alertness workshop that prepares anyone older than age 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Police said most people with thoughts of suicide do not truly want to die, but are struggling with pain in their lives. Through words and actions they invite help to stay alive. SafeTalk-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting people K a r a s t a n A r e a R u g s Encourage the person to talk openly about their feelings. Don't judge. Do not promise to keep their thoughts a secret. Listen and be supportive." Residents aged 16 or older, who are experiencing a mental health crisis can turn to COAST for immediate outreach and support. COAST is comprised of crisis intervention specialists and Halton police officers trained in mental health and crisis intervention. Mental health crisis workers answer COAST's crisis line at 1-877-825-9011, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While COAST assists those aged 16 and older, help and resources for those younger than 16 are available through ROCK at 905-878-9785. "It takes strength for people and families to deal with and overcome mental health challenges. They shouldn't have to do it alone. We encourage and invite all community members to attend the upcoming SafeTALK as we hope to further work as a community to have an open conversation about suicide," said Kimberley Clark, Halton police Victim Services Unit. For a list of Halton Mental Health Resources, visit www.haltonpolice.ca/SpecializedUnits/ COAST/Pages/default.aspx. Dr. Angela Saunders speaks at a recent Halton Police and Reach out Centre for Kids (ROCK) breakfast during Children's Mental Health Week. | photo by Eric Riehl ­ Oakville Beaver HOME HELP for Seniors & Adults with Disabilities Housekeeping Meal Preparation Laundry Shopping with life-saving intervention resources. Anyone interested can attend this workshop on Wednesday, July 15 from 6-9 p.m. at the Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Rd. Pre-registration is necessary and can be done by dialing 311. "If you suspect someone is suicidal, ask them directly about suicide," said Dr. Angela Saunders, director of Clinical Services at ROCK. "Ask if they have a plan. If the person is in crisis and in danger, assist them in getting help. · M i r a g e H a r d w o o d Since 1962 Peerless Carpeting · Buyers Edge Guarantee · 200 Store Buying Power DIAMOND PLATINUM BeSt Quality. BeSt Service. BeSt PriceS! THIS WEEK'S SUPER DEAL! GARDEN SUPPLIES VAN BEEK'S Generations of Quality Service Persian Rugs 1/2 Price any carpet Style $ · Peerless · Berber · Twist /sq.ft. · Plush · Shag · Textured Berber Installed with Underpad 1500 sq.ft. limit 2.99 Carpeting AREA $ RUGS M i r a g e H a rd w o o d 5' X 8' StARtinG At 99 opeN SuNDAYS SuperStore · 200 interlock, flagstone & natural Stone SpEak tO OnE Of OuR haRdScapE SpEciaLiStS fOR inSpiRatiOn! Burlington-Oakville-Milton 2410 Lower Base Line Rd., Oakville call or visit us Store Buying Following locations only: 228 KiNg St. e. Hamilton 905-546-1921 · P e r s i a n R u g s trafalgar village, (across from Oakville Go Station) Oakville 905.849.4472 · K a r a s t a n C a r p e t i n g 1-866-778-5824 · www.vanbeeks.com Mississauga-Oakville-Etobicoke 758 Southdown Rd., Mississauga Power