A lone bench sits in Winnipeg’s Whitter Park, surrounded by several growing saplings. The bench is inscribed with the words, “I think of you, and the world is beautiful.”
This Forest of Hope is the third in a growing initiative by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) aimed at promoting healing for those impacted by suicide, raising awareness, and fostering conversation about suicide prevention. These Forests of Hope are an effort to create spaces where communities can come together, remember loved ones, and support each other in healing.
Sean Krausert, Executive Director of CASP, explains that the Forest of Hope provides a tangible reminder for those struggling or grieving. “It was an idea that one of our subcommittees had, and that was to plant some trees as a ceremonial situation where, you know, it could represent healing for people and be there long-term to raise awareness about suicide prevention.”
In Winnipeg, mental health challenges were worsened by the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 2023 report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY) showing rising cases of suicides and drug-related deaths in Manitoba among young people. Initiatives like the Forest of Hope play an important role in connecting individuals to support. So far in 2024, between the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line and the 24-hour Crisis Line, over 32,000 calls have been answered.
Suicide prevention relies heavily on reducing isolation and stigma and increasing access to resources like the 988 crisis line. This nationwide line, available in Winnipeg and across Canada, provides round-the-clock support to individuals in crisis, offering immediate assistance and connection to mental health resources. CASP supports Winnipeg residents through online resources, which include information on local mental health services and support options for those experiencing loss. CASP also provides a newly developed Suicide Bereavement Support Group Facilitators’ Network and collaborates with organizations like the Centre for Suicide Prevention to help create local support groups.
While suicide can affect anyone, Winnipeg, like many communities across Canada, has vulnerable populations at higher risk. Individuals from marginalized groups, such as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and Indigenous communities, often face systemic challenges that increase their risk.
“Suicide doesn’t discriminate. You have suicide happening in every demographic,” says Krausert. “However, there are some demographics that are at higher risk, and they’re higher risk, I think, a lot because of the isolation that can come with being part of a particular population. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and particularly trans folk, are at higher risk because there are some in society that are, well, to put it gently, not welcoming and are judgemental. That’s isolating.”
Older men, teenage girls, and those who have experienced traumatic situations are also at higher risk. Although Krausert says there isn’t a magic wand to solve the issue, funding calls and support services, creating inclusive communities, and challenging the stigma still prevalent in conversations of suicide and mental health are actions society and communities can take.
CASP plans to continue its work in Winnipeg, expanding suicide prevention efforts and offering additional resources for individuals and families. The Forest of Hope is just one of several initiatives designed to create an open dialogue around mental health. CASP’s upcoming annual conference also provides mental health professionals and community leaders opportunities to share knowledge and discuss ways to strengthen local resources. CASP also marks World Suicide Prevention Day each September with a virtual event that extends to Winnipeg residents, promoting unity and education on this difficult topic.
Crisis Lines:
988: Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7)
- Phone: 988
- Text: 988
Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (24/7)
- Toll-free: 1-877-435-7170
- reasontolive.ca
Klinic Crisis Line (24/7)
- Phone: (204) 786-8686
- Toll-free: 1-888-322-3019
Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services (24/7)
- Toll-free: 1-866-367-3276
- supportline.ca
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural
