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

 

 

 

 

Cup of Tea for the Soul: A Gathering for Suicide Loss Survivors

Spring Session: Wednesday March 13, 2024 – 7:00pm to 8:15pm, Online

This online free gathering will bring suicide loss survivors together for and hour of sharing and connecting.

After a suicide loss, many survivors feel isolated. Finding sameness and belonging are key ingredients needed to help their journey through bereavement. Feeling supported and with the possibility to create new connections is essential.

In this 75 min session, you will find a safe place to meet other suicide loss survivors to share challenges and resources, feelings and ideas.

Who is it for?

Anyone who has lost a significant other to suicide and who wants to join others in building a supportive community of survivors.

Registration via Eventbrite zoom link will be provided once registered.

Attendees will be advised to attend at their discretion, acknowledging that grieving a suicide can be challenging. Attendees will be invited to be mindful of the content of their sharing to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing.

Facilitators

This session is facilitated by Jessica Wolf Ortiz and co-facilitated by a suicide loss survivor. Jessica is the current Bereavement Coordinator at the Crisis Centre of B.C., registered Clinical Counsellor and author of Overcoming Suicide Grief. The stories of those who stay.

Register here

 

 

 

Take a Walk With Us

This is a drop-in gathering for those who have lost someone to suicide.

Date: Saturday April 13, 2024 – 9:00am to 11:00 am – Pacific Spirit National Park

This two-hour drop-in gathering aims to bring people with similar life experiences together as we walk in nature and have time to share. This gathering hopes to be a space for those who, in their grief, feel more action-oriented. This event is offered by the CC in partnership with the Vancouver Hospice Society.

Who is it for?

Anyone who has lost a significant other to suicide and who wants to join others in building a supportive community of survivors.

Registration via Eventbrite. Location will be shared upon registration.

We ask that you confirm your registration, as we hope to start our walk on time. Please allow some time for you to arrive, park if needed and meet the group. The event will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions. Come prepared for possible rain (raincoat, umbrella, waterproof shoes).

Facilitators

This session is facilitated by Jessica Wolf Ortiz and co-facilitated by a group of volunteers. Jessica is the current Bereavement Coordinator at the Crisis Centre of B.C., registered Clinical Counsellor and author of Overcoming Suicide Grief. The stories of those who stay.

Location

5495 Chancellor Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4

Register here

 

 

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.

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

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