Suicide prevention campaigns launch at transit hubs across Canada

VANCOUVER (CityNews) – A new suicide prevention campaign has launched at transit hubs across Canada.

“Today is Better” is looking to help people who are trying to figure out where to turn. Launched by Operation Lifesaver — a national, not-for-profit focused on rail safety — the organization says it hopes the campaign will help connect people who may be considering suicide with the right resources.

“There are 11 stories that are part of the campaign,” explained Sarah Mayes, national director, Operation Lifesaver. “We decided to focus on the personal stories of hope, of people who have experienced thoughts of suicide, but sought help.”

The stories are produced in both English and French.

“We weren’t really doing anything to prevent suicides from happening. So these incidents are obviously really devastating for the individuals themselves, their friends and family, but also for railway employees, first responders, passengers, entire communities,” Mayes told CityNews Vancouver.

Signs feature numbers that will connect a person to “trained, compassionate responders.”

“So you can expect someone who’s going to listen,” added Mayes.

That sentiment applies to any of the lines you reach out to, according to Stacy Ashton, the executive director of the Crisis Centre of BC.

“Twenty-four-seven crisis lines are your easiest access to help, whenever and whatever is happening,” she said. “And you get to define your crisis. So, don’t feel like what you’re going through is too minor or not a big deal, because we want to talk to you if you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed or having suicidal thoughts.”

Ashton notes any kind of preventative measure, whether it’s signage or high barriers, can make a difference in the life of someone experiencing a crisis.

“The environmental design really helps with that, and then the signage just helps on the side of, this is where you go for help. So you kind of want to do both because you’re both saying ‘Don’t do this, this is too hard, and it’s not what you want to do. Instead, do this other thing, here’s the alternative, reach out for help.'”

Currently, there are upwards of 30 of these signs at locations in Metro Vancouver along TransLink’s network.

If you are someone who is struggling and you are in need of immediate help, there are people who are ready, willing, and able to listen, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call 1-833-456-4566 from anywhere in Canada if you find yourself in a position of crisis.