A national suicide prevention initiative called Roots of Hope is being developed in southern Manitoba, offering communities a new way to build supports based on local needs and priorities.
“Roots of Hope is a framework meant to help communities build suicide prevention initiatives locally that fit their community, so it's very individualized,” says Lindsay Hainsworth, a community mental health worker with Southern Health-Santé Sud’s Mental Health and Addictions Program.
Developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Roots of Hope has been rolled out in various regions across the country since 2018. The framework supports five key pillars: building awareness, reducing stigma, training natural helpers, developing specialized supports for high-risk groups, and limiting access to means of harm.
“This is something that is being rolled out as we speak,” says Hainsworth. “We're looking at working with communities that maybe have identified some need and are ready to start taking some steps at creating a network to do some community assessments and action planning.”
Hainsworth emphasizes that Roots of Hope isn’t about replacing existing efforts but enhancing them.
“We can all play a role in preventing suicide,” she says. “There are so many factors that can influence people getting to that point. I think that also gives us hope that we can all contribute to making suicide preventable.”
How to help someone in crisis
Hainsworth acknowledges that people often want to help loved ones who are struggling but don’t know where to start.
Her first piece of advice: look after yourself, too.
“Caregiving is a heavy role,” she says. “It’s important to create boundaries and recognize what is your responsibility and what’s not.”
She also suggests allowing the person in distress to lead conversations about what they need and what goals they may have. Hainsworth encourages asking supportive questions while remaining open to their perspective.
If someone seems very unwell, reaching out to a crisis line for guidance is one way to ensure the person is supported while protecting your own well-being.
If you’re struggling, you are not alone
Hainsworth’s message to those going through a mental health challenge is simple: the pain may feel overwhelming, but it will pass.
She encourages people to focus on what they can do to stay safe in the moment, and to reach out for help, whether from a trusted friend, family member, or crisis line.
“It affects everybody,” she says. “As humans, this is a shared suffering and a shared experience. That also means there’s shared support.”
Resources for mental health support
The Mental Health and Addictions Program offers free walk-in counselling for individuals 16 and older. In Winkler, the walk-in clinic at Pathways (31 Main St) is open Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Crisis lines include:
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24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-888-617-7715
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Manitoba Suicide Line: 1-877-435-7170
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Klinic Crisis Line: 1-888-322-3019
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Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support: 1-866-367-3276
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Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1-888-292-7565
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Problem Gambling Help Line: 1-800-463-1554
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Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Non-emergency options include:
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A visit to a family doctor or walk-in clinic
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Contacting health insurance providers like Blue Cross
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Accessing community counselling through the Mental Health program
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Online resources like BounceBack Manitoba and the Strongest Families Institute
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to one of the numbers above. Help is available.
- With files from Robyn Wiebe and Kylee Bailey