The WRSPC is currently working on three key projects, in addition to their work within their three priorities of building sense of community, training and education, and organizational capacity and excellence. The three current key projects are listed below:
Project One: “It Takes A Community” Research Project
In this project, the WRSPC is undertaking research to better understand who is dying by suicide and who is attempting suicide in Waterloo Region in order to better guide our preventative work. The first phase of our research project was completed, culminating in a report published by Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services (ROWPHE) in partnership with WRSPC entitled “A Community Profile on Suicide and Self-Harm in Waterloo Region”. Through a continued partnership with ROWPHE and the hiring of Centre for Community Based Research, we conducted a second phase of research utilizing interviews with key stakeholders. This phase built a richer, deeper understanding of suicide, self-harm, and suicide prevention services in our Region.
Future phases of this project will continue to investigate our local community context and how preventative initiatives can be tailored to fit us, and will involve knowledge translation and community mobilization to engage our community in the work of suicide prevention based on research learning.
Committee Members
Amanda Demmer (Co-chair) – Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council
Bianca Prince (Co-chair) – Front Door Children’s Mental Health
Bev Voisin – Salvation Army
Jessica Deming – Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
Katie McDonald – Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
Debbie Callahan – Grand River Hospital
Elliot Fraser – Community member & WRSPC volunteer
Rachel Hyland – Community member & WRSPC volunteer
Sandra Ayerst – Waterloo Catholic District Schoolboard
Dena Moitoso – Bereavement Specialist & WRSPC clinical consultant
Colleen Pacey – Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington
Project Two: Hospital Care Resource
The purpose of this priority committee is to conduct an evidence-based understanding of what people and their support circle need in keeping safe from suicide (defined in time) following an individual’s presentation of suicidal thoughts at the hospital emergency room. The goal is to define what, if any, evidence-based, sustainable supports would be beneficial during this crisis period.
Committee Members
Amanda Demmer (Co-chair) – Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council
Adrienne Luft (Co-chair) – Social Worker & WRSPC Board Chair
Rebecca Pister – Researcher
Kim Hewitt – Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Region
Catrina Clark – Grand River Hospital
Laura McShane – Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Region
Rondi McFarlane – Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Project Three: Men’s Mental Health Initiative
In collaboration with KW Legacy, the purpose of this priority is to develop strength-based and action-oriented messaging and resources that address men’s unique mental health concerns.
