World Suicide Prevention Day | September 10

SPIN (Suicide Prevention Implementation Network) Honours World Suicide Prevention Day

Each year on September 10th, people in more than 80 countries around the world unite to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), an initiative led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). This global day of awareness is dedicated to reducing stigma, raising understanding, and inspiring action to prevent suicide.

The theme for WSPD 2024–2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This theme highlights the urgent need to shift from silence and stigma, toward openness, understanding, and support. Changing the narrative requires systemic change—and together, communities can foster hope, connection, and safety for all.

“Suicide is a complex global health issue, but it is preventable,” says Sean Krausert, Executive Director of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP). “Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide, and countless others are deeply affected. By changing the narrative, we can create a culture where conversations about suicide and mental health are safe, supported, and lifesaving.”

Local Events in Brandon, Manitoba

In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, SPIN invites the community to join several events:

• Free safeTALK Training – Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 PM
  Location: Brandon University- Health Studies Building- North Entrance@ 18^th & Princess Ave. Pre-registration required by email: [email protected].
  safeTALK is a suicide alertness training program that teaches participants to recognize signs of suicide and how to connect individuals to life-saving resources.

• Community Recognition – Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM Location: A.R. McDiarmid Civic Complex, Cultural Room – 638 Princess Ave.
  Join us as we recognize individuals who are making our community suicide-safer. A light lunch and community resources will be available.

• Ribbon Tying Ceremony & Vigil – Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 | 7:00 PM
  Starting at Errol Black Park & 1st Street Bridge.
  This ceremony honours those lost to suicide and offers a space for healing. The evening will include hot chocolate, therapy dogs, support, and resources for attendees.

• To close the day, both national and local participants are invited to join a global tradition: placing a lit candle in a window at 8:00 PM in their time zone to “Light a Flame of Hope” in remembrance of lives lost and in solidarity with those struggling.

• CASP National Virtual Event: September 10, 2025 – 1:00-2:30 CST (Register online at World Suicide Prevention Day – Canadian Association For Suicide Prevention)

Local Events in Dauphin, Manitoba

• Community Awareness Walk – September 10 at noon (12-1pm). Vermillion Park (214 2nd Ave. NW) Dauphin. Free Hot Dogs for attendees. Join the Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee for a community walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Information and materials to engage in personal awareness activities will be provided.
• Chalk The Walk – Use chalk to help us beautify our community with images & messages of hope, resilience, suicide awareness & prevention. Decorate your walkway to inspire others. Look at the images with someone. Chat about Mental Wellness. FREE chalk available at Dauphin Community Health Office, Dauphin Library and Primary Care Outreach Clinic (PCOC).

Local Events in Swan River, Manitoba

• Community Awareness Walk – September 10 at noon (12-1pm). Co-op Grocery Store Parking Lot (811 Main Street) Swan River. Join the Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee for a community walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Information and materials to engage in personal awareness activities will be provided.

The World Health Organization emphasizes that suicide is preventable with timely, evidence-based, and often low-cost interventions. Strengthening support networks, reducing stigma, and fostering open conversations about mental health are key to saving lives.

If you are struggling or concerned about someone else’s suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Contact the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, Or Simply dial or text 988- a crisis line available 24 hours per day. A trained crisis worker will listen to you and direct you to needed resources.

PMH Resources- Contact Westman Crisis Services at 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699 in the Brandon Area or 1-866-332-3030 for PMH-North- Call 911 or contact a local hospital or health office.

Prairie Mountain Health- North Mental Wellness and Crisis Resources

• Prairie Mountain Health- Mental health: child, adult, and senior’s mental health
• Prairie Mountain Health- workshops, training, and clinics
• Canadian Mental Health Association- CMHA Swan Valley – Mental Health for All
• Hope for Wellness Helpline- Crisis support available for Indigenous people
• Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba- programming, peer support, and resources
• Peer Connections Manitoba- Peer Connections Manitoba – Your Connection to Wellness (peerconnectionsmb.ca)
• Kids help phone- youth crisis support and skill building resource

PROVINCIAL CRISIS RESOURCES