Saskatchewan's Suicide Prevention Plan
The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to addressing the high rates of suicide in the province. Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan was created to guide suicide prevention initiatives and activities specific to the cultural and social landscape of Saskatchewan.
The plan aligns with Saskatchewan's Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan and is an important step forward in reducing the province's suicide rates and in building strength, resilience and hope in Saskatchewan people.
Background
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) developed Roots of Hope, a community-based suicide prevention model. Roots of Hope provides a framework and structure for communities to tailor suicide prevention activities and link these activities to community needs and strengths. The actions outlined in Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan are grounded in the five pillar approach developed by the MHCC.
The five pillars of the Saskatchewan plan include:
- Specialized supports;
- Training;
- Awareness;
- Means restriction and means safety; and
- Research, surveillance and evaluation.
The Government of Saskatchewan is dedicated to supporting the actions under each pillar. Pillars for Life recognizes that solutions must be community driven and consider the local history, economics and social factors. Ensuring a community driven approach honours the fact that each community is unique and the solutions they present will produce meaningful change.