Giving Compass' Take:

• This World Health Organization (WHO) toolkit identifies strategies for individuals to organize suicide prevention in their communities through a participatory approach.

• It's vital that all members of the community — teachers, policymakers, law enforcement, healthcare professionals — collaborate on ways to support our most vulnerable citizens and remove the stigma of depression and suicidal thoughts. This guided doesn't get into specific interventions, but is a great place to start the conversation.

• Here's how suicide prevention efforts are expanding cautiously in elementary schools.

Suicides take a high toll. Over 800 000 people die by suicide every year and it is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. There are indications that for each adult who dies of suicide there may be more than 20 others attempting suicide. The impact on families, friends and communities is devastating and far-reaching, even long after persons dear to them have taken their own lives. Social, psychological, cultural and other factors can interact to lead a person to suicidal behavior and the stigma attached to suicide means that many people feel unable to seek help. Most suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries where resources and services, if they do exist, are often scarce and limited for early identification, treatment and support of people in need. These striking facts and the lack of implemented timely interventions make suicide a serious global public health problem that needs to be tackled urgently.

Communities can play a critical role in suicide prevention. They can provide social support to vulnerable individuals and engage in follow-up care, fight stigma and support those bereaved by suicide. They can help give individuals a sense of belonging and a feeling of connectedness by being part of a community. Lastly, communities can also implement specific suicide prevention strategies relevant to their situation.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada launched the grassroots initiative #308conversations by inviting each of Canada’s 308 Members of Parliament and other community leaders to hold a conversation in their community about suicide prevention. The initiative represents a participatory approach to connecting communities, sharing best practices, identifying challenges, and taking meaningful action to reduce suicide and the impact of suicidal behaviors in Canada. Interested community members, people with lived experience and stakeholders share what is working and identify gaps in access, treatment and support.

The World Health Organization has worked collaboratively with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to adapt this participatory approach for global use. This toolkit is a step-by-step guide for communities to engage in suicide prevention activities, take ownership of the process and keep efforts sustained.

Download the full Suicide Prevention Toolkit from WHO here.