Awareness

World Suicide Prevention Day: Suicide Facts and Prevention Resources

Warning: This post is about suicide which can be a difficult topic.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day – an internationally-observced day to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention around the world. According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention, “one in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide.” 

Because of stigma, discrimination, and lack of family and community support, LGBTQ Canadians have a much higher risk for suicide:

  • The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that LGBTQ people face “Higher rates of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and phobic disorders, suicidality, self-harm, and substance use among LGBT people.”
  • Additionally, Egale reports that “LGBTQ youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.”
  • Huffington Post reports that “… more than 75 per cent of completed suicides in Canada are made by men, and men still tend to use mental health services at a significantly lower rate than women. Evidence suggests that certain male demographics have particularly high rates of mental health issues. One of these is gay men.”
  • A BMC Public Health article reports that around 50 per cent of gay men had experienced suicidal ideation. This is more than six times higher than the reported rates for heterosexual men. 

If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of suicide, you CAN get help. 

Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Resources:

For 2SLGBTQ+ people in crisis:

  • If you are in crisis you can connect with Here 24/7 at 1.844.437.3247. 
  • For ongoing counselling, here in Waterloo Region, the OK2BME program at KW Counselling Services provides specialized counselling services to 2SLGBTQ+ youth at no cost. SPECTRUM has established the Chrysalis Mental Health Fund which helps to subsidize the cost of OK2BME counselling for 2SLGBTQ+ adults in our community. To get started with OK2BME counselling you can complete their online intake form or call 519.884.0000.
  • For those who are able to pay for counselling service, there are many local private practitioners. You can find contact information at Psychology Today. Those who are specialists in 2SLGBTQ+ issues will list it in their profiles.
  • Within our limited capacity, SPECTRUM works to help local 2SLGBTQ+ people find community and an increased sense of belonging. Be sure to check out our events calendar to find peer support groups, drop-ins, and various social groups you can join.

Additional Educational Resources and Ways to Support 2SLGBTQ+ mental health

  • Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council has put together a page on the risk factors and warning signs of suicidality, here. Their website also has many other resources to help promote well-being and self-care and handle stress.
  • Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council will be livestreaming a World Suicide Prevention Day ceremony on September 10th at 6pm on their Facebook page. 
  • If you would like to donate to SPECTRUM’s Chrysalis Mental Health Fund to help someone access counselling services you can do so here.
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SPECTRUM News

Job Posting:
Co-Facilitator, 2SLGBTQ+ Youth (age 18-25)

Job Posting
Co-Facilitator, 2SLGBTQ+ Youth (age 18-25) Peer Support Group x2
Part-time, Contract

Thanks to a grant from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund, SPECTRUM is able to fund two
co-facilitators to run a new peer support group for 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 18-25. This will be a
pilot project for one year with the goal of developing this into an ongoing service.


$25/hour, three hours weekly, 50 weeks
Pay will be by cheque, once per month


Reporting to our Acting Executive Director, the two co-facilitators will work together to facilitate


a two-hour group every week. They will work an additional hour per week to plan and evaluate
the group. Initially, this will take place virtually using Zoom. When it is safe to do so, we will
move to our physical space in downtown Kitchener. This group will be a resource for young
2SLGBTQ+ people aged 18-25 network, increasing their sense of community and belonging.


Qualifications:
● Must be 25 years of age or older
● Must be able to commit to working the same evening or weekend day every week (TBD
based on hiree’s schedules)
● Must have access to reliable high-speed internet and a private place to work from
● Must have access to reliable transportation to our space in downtown Kitchener

● Must identify as a member of a 2SLGBTQ+ community
● Professional social work or mental health work experience is an asset
● Excellent communication skills
● Experience facilitating groups

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Events, SPECTRUM News

Join Us At SPECTRUM’s 2021 Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting is coming on October 5, 2021.

You are a voting member of SPECTRUM if you have made a financial contribution or volunteered 30 hours in the last 12 months. Click here to make a donation today and renew your membership!

Our AGM is an essential part of SPECTRUM’s operations, and our ByLaws require that a certain portion of our membership attend. During the meeting, you will hear a summary of SPECTRUM’s past year, and will vote on our Board of Directors for 2021-2022. 

Please demonstrate your support for the work SPECTRUM does, and join us! Click here to register to attend.

This is a public call for nominations for the Board of Directors. If you are interested in becoming a board member, complete our Board Application Form and send it with your resume to info@ourspectrum.com. We will then follow up with you to schedule a meeting with the nomination committee. 

If you have any questions about the duties of a board member position, please visit our Board of Directors page.

Note: all nominations must be received by Sunday September 12th at 5pm. All nominations must be a member in good standing, or willing to become a member prior to the AGM. No nominations from the floor will be accepted during the AGM. 

Find the AGM agenda and other materials here.

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