Suicide & prevention training

At times, university life can be very stressful. Although we all utilize a variety of helpful coping mechanisms to deal with stress, the stress can become overwhelming.

If you feel that you may be at risk of hurting yourself, or if you feel suicidal or know of someone who may be suicidal please speak to a staff or faculty member as soon as possible to ask for assistance.

  • Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm please call 250 807 9270, identify yourself and your concern and you will receive immediate assistance.
  • Evenings and weekends call Campus Security at 250 807 8111.
  • Call 911 if the situation is urgent.
  • Suicide crisis line available 24 hours a day at 1 800 SUICIDE (784 2433).
  • People in need crisis line is available at 1 888 353 CARES (2273) is the “people in need” crisis line.

Suicide prevention training

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)

Throughout the year, QPR suicide awareness training is available to university staff, faculty, and students. QPR teaches participants to recognize the warning signs, clues, and suicidal communications of individuals in distress to act quickly to prevent a possible tragedy from suicide.

We encourage all individuals who are interested in this subject to attend a QPR teaching session. Please contact Student Wellness to find out when the next QPR session is being taught or if you wish to arrange one for your department.

Dr. C Szostak’s 2013 Term 2 Psychology 361 class has created a suicide awareness brochure that can be downloaded here: Suicide Awareness (PDF)