Thanks to a new program Nipissing University Education students will have a leg up on their competition when entering the workforce.
The program, funded by the Bell Let’s Talk campaign, interested students will receive training in suicide prevention.
The university received an $11,500 grant to provided support to four Nipissing staff for a train the trainer model in order to implement their Tattered Teddies and Straight talk programs.
Officials say the Tattered Teddies training consists of reviewing a child’s concept of death, protective factors, warning signs and risk factors, how to talk to a child and their caregivers about suicide and intervention strategies, self-care for the helper and information on how to follow up after an intervention. The Straight Talk curriculum uses a similar framework, but addresses the specific needs of youth age 12-24. Both programs were developed by the Centre for Suicide Prevention.
“Thank you to Bell Let’s Talk for recognizing the value in this project and for helping to bring the subject of mental health to the forefront. It is deeply troubling to think that suicide is even contemplated by the very young. If Nipissing can play a role in helping any child who might be suffering, then we will have accomplished a great deal,”said Dr. Mike DeGagné, Nipissing University president.
“Having multiple staff members at the university trained to deliver the Tattered Teddies and Straight Talk curricula allows us to offer greater value to our communities as well as our students.”
“The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund is dedicated to improving access to mental health care at the grassroots level in communities from coast to coast to coast,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk.
“This year, Nipissing is one of more than 50 local groups we’re supporting as they provide much-needed help to people living with mental illness while working to reduce the stigma surrounding this pervasive national health issue.”
