The experience of a suicide-related loss is often quite isolating because of the stigma that is often attached to this type of death. The Suicide Bereavement Support program offers a variety of services such as one-on-one counseling, an educational support group, individual peer support, and a drop-in group as well as educational presentations and debriefings to assist survivors in dealing with these issues.

If this is a crisis, contact the Calgary Distress Centre: (403) 266-HELP (4357).

Suicide Bereavement Support provides:

- Bereavement Counselling
- Individual Peer Support
- Group Support
- Informal Drop-in Group - See schedule below.
- Debriefings and Educational Presentations
- Consultation & Resources
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Survivors of Suicide Day

Please note: CMHA does not provide intervention for individuals contemplating suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call the Distress Centre's 24-hr Crisis Line at (403) 266-HELP or visit their website

Bereavement Counselling
Professional counselling is available to individual survivors, families, and couples to develop an enhanced understanding of their own grief process. One-on-one grief counselling can be a complement to other resources such as short term Employee Assistance Programs.

This service is available for people in Calgary who are 18 years of age and over. Appointments may be made by the individual or by referral. Fees are based on a sliding scale. No one is refused service due to financial reasons. Please call (403) 297-1744 to arrange an appointment.

Individual Peer Support
The transition for those left behind after a suicide can be very difficult. Following the funeral, many survivors are left on their own to grieve. While professional counselling is an option, many say they would also like to speak with someone who has been through a similar experience. Individual peer support provides that opportunity by drawing on the experiences and strengths of trained volunteer survivors who can provide support to individuals who have recently experienced a loss by suicide.

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For more information on this service call (403) 297-1744 or Email: Bereavement Support

Group Support (Formal Bereavement Group)
This group is co-facilitated by experienced counsellors and/or volunteer survivors. The group provides members with an opportunity to meet others who have experienced a similar loss, and to explore their own grief on a new level in a safe and supportive environment.

Groups take place once a week from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for an 8 week period, several times per year. Fees are based on a sliding scale. No one is refused service due to financial reasons. To join the next group, call (403) 297-1744.

Informal Drop-in Group
This group, led by fellow survivors, provides a confidential and safe environment for those who have experienced a loss by suicide to meet others who can understand and provide support for each other. Session topics vary as determined by the needs of the group.

For information about the groups, please call (403) 297-1744 or Email: Bereavement Support

The Kahanoff Centre location Drop-In Group meets the first Thursday of each month from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. See dates & location here.

New! We now have a second location for drop-in groups: the Centre Street Church West Campus at 4120 Centre St. N. See dates & location here.

Debriefings and Educational Presentations

Debriefing in the Community
Counsellors will come to organizations, homes, or community meeting places to provide factual information after a suicide has occurred.

Suicide Bereavement Education
Educational sessions and workshops on suicide bereavement may be requested by interested community groups, professionals, post-seconday institutions, corporations, and local businesses. Subject matter may include information on the grief process, effects of grief on individuals and relationships, statistics, up-to-date research on theories surrounding grief, dealing with holidays and other significant events, self-care strategies, and resources for moving forward in a healthy way.

For more information about suicide bereavement education, call (403) 297-1744 or Email: Bereavement Support

Suicide Awareness Education
Suicide education presentations are an effective way to gain a better understanding of the issues that surround suicide such as recognizing myths, warning signs, and how to help. Informative presentations are available in schools and for adult groups. More Info

Call (403) 297-1722 or e-mail Suicide Awareness Education to inquire about booking a suicide awareness presentation.

Consultation & Resources
Telephone information and educational resources are available to professionals and other interested parties. For more information call (403) 297-1744 or Email: Bereavement Support

Available Resources:
-Printed suicide grief and loss resource materials

- Talking about suicide: How to tell our children

Survivors of Suicide Day

Every year, CMHA works with a group of devoted volunteers to present a day of connection and support for people who have lost loved ones to suicide. Last year, close to 200 people attended the event, shared their stories, listened to speakers' emotional journeys and supported one another as the topic of suicide was brought to light.
There is also an opportunity to take part in the 5 km Out of the Darkness memorial walk prior to the SOS Day events.

For more information about SOS Day or to volunteer, see here or call (403) 297-1744.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is an important part of the Suicide Services program, with opportunities available in the following areas:
* Peer support
* Co-facilitation of bereavement groups
* Community events
* Book reviews
* Practicum opportunities also available

For further information on this program, call (403) 297-1744 or email: Bereavement Support

Supported in part by FCSS, Family and Community Support Services