by Diana Festejo | May 16, 2023 | Community Updates, Education
Families Matter Research Group: What I Wish I Had Known – Reflections on Family Life After PSP Service
Leaving the public safety sector (PSP) is a significant life change for both PSP members and their families. As transition planning becomes more recognized, it highlights the impacts of this change on mental health, identity, relationships, and social connections.
This Families Matter Research Group Interactive Series features a panel discussion with experts, including Dr. Christina Harrington, PhD, RSW, Laura Kloosterman, Executive Director of Badge of Life Canada and Retired OPP Constable (32 years of service), Dean Wilkinson, Retired Paramedic (47 years of service), and Bill Turner, Retired Police Sergeant and Peer Supporter. Together, they will share practical strategies and reflections on managing post-service life with family.
This open event welcomes everyone, but registration is required. The event will gather important information to expand a network that will serve PSP families across Canada.
Afterward, attendees will complete a survey to guide the development of PSP Families Network activities, helping shape future themes, frequency, and formats.
Acknowledging Our Supporters
We thank the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for their Partnership Development Grant supporting the Families Matter initiative. This event is organized in collaboration with CIPSRT, CIMVHR, and Vanier Institute of the Family, with additional support from the Medavie Foundation.
Register for the May 25, 2023, Webinar
Why Attend This Event?
- Learn from experts: Gain valuable insights from those who have navigated PSP transition firsthand.
- Understand mental health impacts: Discover strategies to manage emotional challenges, relationships, and identity post-service.
- Contribute to shaping future support: Help build a supportive network for PSP families in the future.
by Diana Festejo | May 8, 2023 | Education
ASIST Workshop in Calgary: Suicide Prevention Training for PSP, Veterans, and Military Personnel
We’re excited to announce an ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshop in Calgary on June 8 & 9, 2023. The event will take place at the Calgary Airport. The exact address and parking details will be shared closer to the date. We thank the Calgary Airport Authority for hosting this essential workshop.
Thanks to generous funding, the $250 registration fee for this workshop is fully covered. This training is open to the Legacy Place Family, including Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Services, 911 Dispatch, Veterans, and Military Personnel. To register, simply email us at info@legacyplacesociety.com.
What is ASIST?
The ASIST workshop is a two-day, interactive training designed to help participants recognize signs of suicidal thoughts and learn how to effectively intervene. By attending, you’ll gain skills to create a safety plan and provide immediate support to those at risk.
While ASIST is widely used by healthcare professionals, no prior training is required. Anyone aged 18 or older can benefit from this suicide prevention training.
Why Should You Attend the ASIST Workshop?
- Learn life-saving skills: Gain the knowledge needed to respond when someone is considering suicide.
- Build a suicide-safer community: As an ASIST caregiver, you’ll contribute to creating a community focused on suicide prevention.
- Evidence-based effectiveness: Research shows that ASIST can reduce suicidal thoughts, making it a cost-effective solution for tackling suicide.
Certificate & Professional Development
Upon completing this 14-hour course, participants will receive a certificate of participation. ASIST is accredited by the Canadian Accreditation Council Of Human Services (CACOHS) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Those with a current ASIST certificate can earn 14 hours of Category A professional development credits.
Attendee Testimonial
“I’ve attended five coworkers’ funerals due to suicide, and many others I didn’t personally know. If all first responders had this course, those numbers would be much lower. The course gave me the confidence to understand the bigger picture and helped me find tools to save my own life. Thank you, Legacy Place Society.” — JK
Special Thanks
We’d like to give a huge thank you to the Calgary Airport Authority for providing the classroom space, Justin Havre & Associates RE/MAX First for sponsoring attendance, and the EMS Foundation for providing coffee and muffins.
Register Now: Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn suicide intervention skills. Email us to register for the ASIST workshop in Calgary on June 8-9, 2023.
by Diana Festejo | Apr 19, 2023 | Education, News & Events
Edmonton First Responders Suicide Awareness Conference 2023
Since 2017, Legacy Place Society has worked with Alberta’s first responder agencies and military personnel. Together, they host the annual Suicide Awareness Conferences in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta. Over 4,000 people have attended, including spouses, partners, and friends from the home front, as well as individuals from law enforcement, emergency services, 911 dispatch, veterans, and the Canadian Armed Forces.
First responders often receive limited suicide awareness training. Their focus is mainly on responding to a crisis. However, suicide awareness involves much more. It includes understanding suicide prevention, grief, and healing, especially when it impacts a colleague, family member, or stranger.
By coming together, we can prevent suicide. Studies show that most people who attempt suicide and receive caring intervention do not reattempt.
Conference Focus: Hope, Awareness, and Wellness
The Edmonton First Responder Suicide Awareness Conference 2023 will reshape the conversation. It will focus on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and wellness. Attendees will gain practical insights, discover valuable resources, and have opportunities to network. The event aims to reduce stigma surrounding suicide.
Keynote Speakers
- Dr. Stacey Freedenthal – Dr. Freedenthal will share her personal story of suicidality, healing, and growth. She’ll cover important topics, such as suicide risk signs, how to talk to someone with suicidal thoughts, and post-suicide recovery. (Author of Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts)
- Sheridan Taylor – Sheridan is a Canadian army combat veteran and a suicide survivor. He’ll discuss the depths of despair, and how he fought his way out. He will also talk about the power of hope. (Author of NOT OKAY? OKAY)
- Justine Elliot – As the Director of Clinical Services at The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre, Justine will provide valuable insights on grief and trauma. She will help attendees understand the psychological challenges faced by first responders and their families.
- Amanda Auba – Amanda will share her personal story of loss after the suicide of her husband, Elliott, a 22-year Canadian Forces veteran. She will discuss how she navigated grief and supported her children, while also finding hope and light.
- Allan Kehler – A mental health advocate and bestselling author, Allan will discuss how to overcome mental health challenges and addiction recovery. He will share the relationship between trauma and substance use. (Author of four books on mental health)
Register Now: Edmonton First Responder Suicide Awareness Conference 2023
Join us at the Edmonton First Responders Suicide Awareness Conference on September 27, 2023. Gain knowledge, hear from inspiring speakers, and connect with others committed to suicide prevention and mental wellness.
Register Here: Edmonton First Responders Suicide Awareness Conference – September 27, 2023
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors. Your support helps us continue educating, raising awareness, and providing resources to those who serve our communities and country.
by Diana Festejo | Mar 18, 2023 | News & Events, Press Release
Edmonton Police Officers Cst. Travis Jordan and Cst. Brett Ryan Tragically Killed in Line of Duty – March 16, 2023
On March 16, 2023, Edmonton Police Service officers Cst. Travis Jordan and Cst. Brett Ryan responded to a domestic dispute at an apartment complex near 114 Avenue and 132 Street. Tragically, the officers encountered an ambush when they approached the door, and a young male suspect opened fire on them. Neither officer had the chance to defend themselves or discharge their firearms. The officers did not know the suspect had access to firearms, as this detail was not mentioned in the original call.
During the altercation, the suspect also shot his mother before turning the gun on himself. Cst. Jordan and Cst. Ryan were rushed to the hospital, but both officers were declared dead upon arrival. The suspect’s mother was hospitalized with serious but stable injuries.
Cst. Travis Jordan, an 8.5-year member of the Edmonton Police Service, had relocated to Edmonton with his wife, Annie, from Nova Scotia. He was known for his calm and compassionate nature, and he was often praised for going out of his way to help others. He earned the nickname “Snow Angel” for his selflessness.
Legacy Place Society expresses sincere condolences to Annie, their family, friends, and colleagues. Cst. Jordan’s memory will remain in the hearts of many.
In response to the tragedy, the Edmonton Police Foundation, in collaboration with the Edmonton Police Association, has launched a fundraiser for the families of the fallen officers. The funds raised will help with the financial support of the families during this difficult time.
Donate to the Cst. Ryan & Cst. Jordan Memorial Fundraiser through GoFundMe to show your support.
For more information, please contact Elisha Jackson, Fund Development Manager at the Edmonton Police Foundation. You can visit www.edmontonpolicefoundation.com for further details.
by Diana Festejo | Mar 18, 2023 | Community Updates, Press Release
Edmonton Police Officers Cst. Brett Ryan and Cst. Travis Jordan Tragically Killed in Line of Duty – March 16, 2023
On March 16, 2023, Edmonton Police Service officers Cst. Brett Ryan and Cst. Travis Jordan responded to a domestic dispute at an apartment complex near 114 Avenue and 132 Street. Tragically, as the officers approached the door, a young male suspect ambushed them and opened fire. The officers did not have a chance to defend themselves or discharge their firearms. They were unaware the suspect had access to firearms, as the original call did not mention this detail.
During the altercation, the suspect shot his mother before turning the gun on himself. Cst. Ryan and Cst. Jordan were rushed to the hospital, but doctors declared both officers dead upon arrival. The suspect’s mother sustained serious but stable injuries and is currently in the hospital.
Cst. Brett Ryan, who had served for 5 years with the Edmonton Police Service, was dedicated to his community. Before joining the force, he worked as a paramedic. Brett was always eager to give back, especially by mentoring young hockey officials. He leaves behind his wife, Ashley, who was pregnant with their first child when he tragically passed.
Legacy Place Society extends its deepest condolences to Ashley, their family, friends, and colleagues. Cst. Ryan’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
In response to this devastating loss, the Edmonton Police Foundation, in collaboration with the Edmonton Police Association, launched the Cst. Ryan & Cst. Jordan Memorial Fundraiser. All proceeds will provide financial support to the families of these fallen officers.
You can donate to the Cst. Ryan & Cst. Jordan Memorial Fundraiser through GoFundMe. Your contribution will ease the financial burden faced by the families during this difficult time.
For more information, please contact Elisha Jackson, Fund Development Manager at the Edmonton Police Foundation. Visit www.edmontonpolicefoundation.com for more details.
