Together We Give Hope

Suicide Grief Support

Losing someone to suicide can be a deeply challenging and unique experience that requires understanding, compassion, and support.  At the Crisis Centre of BC, we are committed to creating a safe and caring community for those who have endured the pain of suicide loss. 

Our team is here if you seek resources to support yourself, someone you know, or your community. Contact us at bereavement@crisiscentre.bc.ca.

The Crisis Centre provides a range of programming and services for those who have been impacted by suicide loss with the aim of fostering connection, information and healing:

  • Support and resources for communities, organizations and individuals after a suicide.
  • Events and activities that foster healing and connection (ie. Cup of Tea for Soul series, International Surivors of Suicide Loss Day)
  • Training and Workshops
  • Volunteer opportunities for those who have lost someone to suicide to support our programming or join our Bereavement Advisory Committee

 

If you need emotional support right now or are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out to 9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Helpline / Ligne d’aide en cas de crise de suicide, 310-6789 or 1-800-784-2433 (1800SUICIDE)

 

Individual and Community Support

 

During the aftermath of a devastating loss to suicide, the impact can be deeply felt by many in the community – those who knew and loved the person. 

In the days and weeks following a suicide, the Crisis Centre can often provide support to help individuals, communities and organizations. Our resources can be made available to various settings including schools, faith communities, and workplaces.

To request support or for more information, please reach out to us at bereavement@crisiscentre.bc.ca.

 

Upcoming Events

 

 

Darkness into Light

Walk with us and spread hope with Darkness into Light 2024

As dawn breaks on May 11th, let’s walk together in hope with Darkness into Light. Each year, the walk takes place to raise awareness about suicide and self-harm, commemorate those lost to suicide, and offer support to anyone who is struggling. The symbolic walk from night into day represents the idea that even in the most difficult times, there is hope for the future.

Each year, teams unite across the globe in a powerful display of solidarity, with over 150,000 people participating worldwide. Register to join Vancouver’s official walk at Burnaby Lake Rugby Club. All proceeds raised will go to the Crisis Centre of BC.

Also, join us at our Trivia Night Fundraiser on 12th April at Donnellans Irish Pub in downtown Vancouver. Gather your friends, family and colleagues to raise funds for suicide prevention with a fantastic night of trivia, live music, a raffle and more!

Darkness into Light Trivia Night
When: Friday, 12th April at 6pm
Where: Donnellans Irish Pub,1082 Granville St, Vancouver
Tickets: $10

Darkness into Light Walk 
When: Saturday,11th May at 4:15am
Where: Burnaby Lake Rugby Club

More information about Darkness into Light
More information about Trivia Night

 

 

 

CASP (Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention) Healing Day

Date: Tuesday May 28, 2024 – 9:00am to 4:00pm – Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront – Vancouver, BC

This event precedes the 2024 National Suicide Prevention Conference.

Healing Day is for anyone with experiences of suicide thoughts, behaviours or loss. If you are a person with lived experience, a family member, a friend, a clinician, a caregiver or a researcher impacted by suicide, we welcome you to join us for a day of reflection, hope and healing. This pre-conference day provides attendees with experiential workshops and sessions that offer new tools and resources to support our unique healing journeys.

Tuesday May 28, 2024 from 9:00am-4:00pm (registration includes; continental breakfast, lunch, snacks during breaks, coffee, tea, and water).

Optional: 7:00pm-Finish: Sharing Circle with light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. (For Healing Day participants only).

Register here

 

 

Workshop Offerings

 

One Event Does Not Define A Life: Understanding Suicide Loss

Postvention is the work that is done to help manage the pain caused by a suicide loss. Losing a significant other to suicide is most often challenging and extremely painful. Understanding the particularities of this type of loss is fundamental. In this workshop you will learn the key aspects of suicide aftermath to be of support to those in need.

Learning objectives: 

In this 75 minute interactive online workshop, you will learn:

  • What makes suicide loss unique? / What are the particularities of suicide loss?
  • What are the challenges suicide survivors face?
  • What helps support people through this loss?

Resources available for people who have experienced suicide loss.

Who should attend?

This session is suited for those in the helping profession including counsellors, social workers and others working with community members/clients who want to increase their understanding and skills to support people who have experienced suicide loss. People with lived experience are also welcomed to join.

Upcoming dates:

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 12pm- 1:15pm

Register here. If this workshop is sold out, please add your name to our waiting list here and we will contact you if space opens up.

For more information or to book this workshop, please contact clecoordinator@crisiscentre.bc.ca.

 

Suicide Bereavement Groups

 

A suicide grief support group, or bereavement group, can be a safe and compassionate space where individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide can share their experiences, emotions, and challenges. These groups can offer a specialized form of bereavement support designed to meet the unique needs of those grieving the loss of someone to suicide.

Agencies that offer suicide grief support groups:

Contact bereavement@crisiscentre.bc.ca for more information on suicide loss support groups.

 

Other Resources

 

Losing someone to suicide is a complex experience that may leave you with conflicting emotions and unanswered questions. Remember, you are not alone; we are here to support you. Find additional resources for survivors, children, indigenous communities, schools, managers, and more below.

Living With Suicide Video Series 

Living with Suicide Loss – About the Series from AFSP on Vimeo.

For Survivors

Other Languages

For Children

For the Indigenous Community

For Schools

For Managers