FIRST RESPONDERS SUICIDE AWARENESS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 EDMONTON

by Diana Festejo | Apr 19, 2023 | Conference, News & Events, Programs

Since 2017, Legacy Place Society has collaborated with the local Alberta first responder agencies and military personnel, in presenting annual Suicide Awareness Conferences in both Calgary and Edmonton AB. Over 4000 attendee’s, including spouses, partners, and friends from the home front along with those from within the workplaces of Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical/Fire Services, 911 Dispatch, Veterans, and the Canadian Armed Forces have benefited from attending. First Responders tend to receive some training, even still on the topic of suicide is limited to responding to a situation and securing the scene, attempt to resuscitate, retrieval of body and next of kin notification. Suicide is more than dealing with the unique issues and stages associated with suicide awareness, acceptance, grieving and understanding the rawness of when it happens to a colleague, family member or stranger.

Together, we can prevent suicide. The vast majority of people who attempt suicide and receive a caring intervention do not re-attempt.

Our conference in Edmonton will include reshaping conversations in bringing hope, awareness, validation, practical insights, sharing of resources and networking opportunities around the subject of suicide and mental health and wellness.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Dr Stacey Freedenthal – In keynote talks, Dr. Freedenthal shares her personal story of suicidality, healing, and growth. Topics have included understanding suicide’s allure, defying stigma around suicidality and mental health, post-traumatic growth after a suicide attempt, fear and hope in suicide prevention, and much more. If you love someone who has suicidal thoughts, you may struggle with profound fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. You desperately want to help, but you’re unsure of where to start. Dr Freedenthal will help guide us as you support your loved one—without sacrificing your own needs and well-being. She will help us find the answers to some of our most urgent questions, including:What are signs and clues of suicide risk? How do I talk with my loved one about their suicidal thoughts? When should I call the police? What do I say and do after a suicide attempt? What treatments for suicidality are available? How can I help the person I care about stay safe? What can I do to help them feel better, too? What can I do to cope better? What does recovery look like after a suicidal crisis? (Author of Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts)

Sheridan Taylor – Sheridan is a Canadian army combat veteran, former corrections officer and suicide survivor. He will share the anguish and rage he experienced in the darkest depths of despair and about some of the process and triumph of fighting his way out. Sheridan will also share his unique perspective on the power of hope and how he as an insecure, overcompensating, professional tough guy stopped hating the world and stopped hating himself in the process. (Author of NOT OKAY? OKAY.)

Justine Elliot – Director of Clinical Services The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre – BIO to follow.

Amanda Auba – Amanda is a mother of two, surviving spouse and speaker aspiring to bring mental health and suicide awareness to the forefront for first responders and military. She speaks from her own life experience through unthinkable tragedy. Amanda is sharing her story of the unexpected loss of her husband Elliott to suicide, Elliott was a 22 year Canadian Forces Veteran. She shares the raw deep emotions of losing her husband and the father, to her two young children. She explains how she has navigated her and her children’s journey through grief. As well as finding ways to support their own mental health in the brink of tragedy, while finding gratitude and light through it all. Amanda has gone on to educate herself, collecting tools to help herself through tough times and to be the beacon of HOPE, to inspire by sharing her story. Amanda believes we all need to be in this conversation together as families and as the people who serve our country and communities.

Allan Kehler – is a mental health advocate, international keynote speaker and best selling author of four books. His writing has been published in countless national magazines and he has been featured on several television and radio programs. He has also instructed various mental health related courses at the college level and spent years working as an addiction counselor and clinical case manager.

Having persevered through his own mental health issues and addictions, Allan speaks from a place of experience. His moving stories tug on heartstrings, inspire a new perspective and allow people to connect with themselves and others at a deeper level. He uses humor and compassion to create a safe space where people feel seen, heard and supported. Allan will speak on “finding your voice”, beyond the fear of judgement or failure, and beyond the barriers of sacrificing one’s own happiness, health and future success. This includes stepping into vulnerability, connecting with oneself, understanding how men react differently to mental health issues than women and explore the relationship that exists between trauma and substance use.

SEE LINK TO REGISTER: EDMONTON FIRST RESPONDERS SUICIDE AWARENESS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 Tickets, Wed, Sep 27, 2023 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite

More information to follow.

THANK YOU To our sponsors…