In an effort to bring more support to family members and others coping with suicide loss in West Central Alberta, the non-profit Suicide Information and Education Services (SIES) organization is stepping up its presence and programs in area rural communities, say officials.Funded through Alberta Health Services, the Red Deer-based SIES works to ensure communities in the region have access to education, information and referral services related to suicide, said education coordinator Dawne Adkins.The organization, which covers all of Mountain View and Red Deer counties, also provides educational presentations to students and adult groups.ìI think the rural communities are strong but sometimes they don't necessarily have the access to the resources,î Adkins told the Gazette. ìSo we want everyone to know that we are here for all the rural communities. Our services are as much for outside of Red Deer as they are for inside Red Deer, and we want to get a little more vocal about that. To have a bigger presence in the rural areas is going to be valuable.ìWe are out there for people who have had suicide loss and for people who want to prevent suicide loss. It's a very complex and complicated and very individual topic, but it's a tragedy every time.îSuicides impact urban and rural families in much the same way and with similar frequency, she said.ìI don't think suicide is a rural or city thing, or an age thing or a gender thing,î she said. ìI think it is a human thing. Suicide has always been an issue, but what is changing is people's willingness to respond and people's willingness to come forward and say this has happened to me, which is a positive thing because it reduce the stigma.îSIES officials are touring rural communities, gauging needs, speaking to school and community officials, and organizing programs and workshops.For example, the organization's Living Beyond Suicide Loss program expanded to Sundre last week with the first of new monthly support group meetings. Similar regular meetings are already being held in other West Central Alberta communities or are in the planning stages.ìIt's an opportunity to share your experiences,î Adkins said. ìWe want to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where survivors can simply be among others who share their pain.îIn the meetings, an SIES facilitator guides participants through a new topic each month ìbut ultimately we believe the healing will come from hearing others at different places in their journey,î she said.The group is not intended to replace counselling, with participants able to attend any or all of the sessions as needed, she said.Anyone considering suicide or seeking prevention help is encouraged to call the Alberta Health 24-hour hotline at 1-877-303-2642 or 911, she said.Warning signs of suicide danger include changes in behaviour, withdrawal or isolation, grades dropping, threats of suicide, increased use of alcohol or drugs, making final arrangements, depression, or lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
