Community suicide prevention is important. Roots of Hope is a multi-site, community-led project, created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, that aims to reduce the impacts of suicide within communities. Suicide prevention interventions are implemented based on community expertise that are tailored to the local context. We are developing an evidence base, including best practices and suicide prevention guidelines and tools, to support the scale up and implementation across Nova Scotia. Roots of Hope is currently being piloted in Colchester County (Northern Zone), Nova Scotia.
Community suicide prevention recognizes that one person, organization or system cannot prevent suicide; it requires a holistic approach. Communities provide social support to the people most in need, engage in supplemental care, raise awareness, reduce stigma and support those bereaved by suicide.
Community members have a powerful place within suicide prevention work. Being the first to know when there is a problem, they are “hope providers” by identifying people at risk and offering timely support and intervention. Communities and individuals can be advocates for the importance of local data and context, and influencing policies and evidence-based interventions that are adapted to local contexts.
Health Equity * Community Autonomy * Innovation, Evidence and Research * Holistic and Intersectoral Approach * Sustainability and Long-Term Impact * Provincial Learning and Capacity Building * Broad Wellness and Prevention Approached * Respect Community Knowledge and Expertise
Every day people in our communities are supporting others in life promotion. It isn’t easy and there are
a lot of frustrated people. Roots of Hope NS is a community suicide prevention initiative to build
capacity for those who are supporting loved ones in our homes, schools and workplaces.