WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Suicide Awareness Council of Wellington-Dufferin (SACWD) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.
Initially called the Suicide Resource Group, the council is comprised of community minded individuals and representatives from various service organizations who create awareness, educate, communicate and build resilience in the areas of suicide prevention and life promotion.
The council has achieved many successes over the 20-year span, officials say:
– The Permanent Solution – a play about depression and suicide: This was the council’s first big project. It was aimed specifically at youth.
For more information on the making and messaging of the play visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqmUqcCaMrI&feature=youtu.be;
– ElderTalk and AfterWhys play: ElderTalk is designed to create opportunities and supportive environments for older adults to discuss the challenges and changes associated with aging.
The development of the play AfterWhys offers a poignant and hopeful look at seniors’ mental health and suicide.
For more information visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtGmIhFdi5k; and
– Awareness and prevention: Creating and sharing resource materials has been a focus of the council.
SACWD also collaborates with community partners, such as the H.O.P.E. Committee, Safe Communities Wellington, #getintouchforhutch and Dufferin Connects, to bring events and workshops to the communities it serves.
These include SafeTALK, wellness workshops, guest speakers as well as professional development opportunities for service providers.
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary, the council is hosting a free and family-friendly event at OZ Farms on Sept. 15 from 2 to 4pm at 8853 Wellington Road 16 in Damascus.
The public is invited to meet the horses and Tiny Tim and Chocolate the sheep and learn how spending time with animals and in nature can benefit and have a lasting effect on mental well-being.
To learn more, visit www.sacwd.ca/events, call 519-239-8902 or email suicidecouncilwd@cmhaww.ca.
The council invites people to follow SACWD on Facebook and Twitter for additional resources and to learn more about what individuals can do to help those at risk for suicide
