The 4th to the 11th of February marks Suicide Prevention Week in Québec, and WQSB schools and centres have each had their own unique initiatives and events running throughout the week to raise awareness and to support their students.
At Pontiac High School, Connexions Resource Centre organized a self-care fortune teller making activity during Wednesday’s lunch while showcasing their wonderful supports. Students were grateful to participate in the fun mindfulness activity and loved showcasing their artistic talents.
At St. Michael’s High School, Suicide Detour Maniwaki visited to do a presentation for the students, and the school’s gym hosted a mental health fair. Afterward, students played floor hockey against their local senior A hockey team, the Rapids.
At Hadley Jr./Philemon Wright High School, messages of kindness on sticky notes were placed on lockers to brighten the mood. Students who added their own words of kindness in the cafeteria on Wednesday received a free anti-bullying shirt, designed by one of their students.
Dedicated staff also set up various activities in their Zen Zone, including a “burn bowl”, wherein students and staff wrote about something in their lives that no longer serves them, and that they wish to release. The bowl was brought outside, and the papers were set on fire. During the burning, one of the students exclaimed “I feel better already!”
The follow is a list of bilingual resources which students can call or text to have a trained professional listen, empathize, and support them:
- 9-8-8 Lifeline
- Kids Help Phone – Call: 1-800-668-6868 Text: 686868 Download the app: Always There
- Tel-Jeunes – Call: 1-800-263-2266, or text: 514-600-1002
- CISSS Outaouais – Dial 811, press 9 for English and choose option 2
- Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region – Call 1-866-996-0991
- Hope for Wellness Helpline – Call 1-855-242-3310
