Associated Youth Services of Peel marks World Suicide Prevention Day

October 17, 2014 · 0 Comments

Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP) recently hosted Children and Youth Services Minister Tracy MacCharles to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the ages of 10 and 24. AYSP, supported by the ministry, is mobilizing community efforts to raise awareness and ensure interconnectivity between front-line workers delivering child and youth services. MacCharles spoke to the need to reduce the stigma and barriers around suicide through an increase in public discourse, and community engagement.
“Our collaborative work in Peel serves to create a shared vision of support and build our collective capacity to respond to the needs of young people and caregivers,” commented AYSP Executive Director Kelly Henderson. “The most effective approach for suicide prevention is an approach involving the entire community and support from (the government) has allowed us to move in that direction.”
“Young people need to know where to turn for help,” MacCharles said. “Our government remains committed to our youth suicide prevention plan, and to ensuring that the necessary supports are available for families and youth in times of crisis. In partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, we will work to reduce stigma, through greater public discussion and enhanced suicide prevention efforts.”