First Responders Suicide Awareness Virtual Livestream

This year has been full of challenges and adversity that first responders have never seen before. We have all experienced loss and grief in various forms and have managed and have done our best to manage those challenges as best we can.

Due to current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we’ve had to re-think how we can recognize World Suicide Prevention Day and how we can share information and offer supports to first responders. Though we aren’t able to host our sixth Annual First Responders Suicide Awareness Conference as we have in the past, we are pleased to offer a virtual livestream that first responders can tune into.

This is an opportunity for you to hear from two grief experts who will normalize what many of us are experiencing during the pandemic and discuss different strategies on how we can best support ourselves, our loved ones and colleagues through these uncertain times.

You will learn:

  • Why it is helpful to understand the difference between grief and loss and what are some of the complicating factors that are relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The “how to” address grief demands and recognize the most significant tool to success is relational – by showing empathy while respecting individual privacy
  • Grief is not a problem to be fixed – our approach to grief can have positive impacts on our families and teams in safe settings
  • Reduce the fear about “messing up” or “mis-handling” support for grieving colleagues, team members and family members


Event details

Livestream September 10, 2020, at 8 a.m. MST

Speakers

Kathleen Fraser

Provincial Program Director, EMS Office of Respectful Workplace, AHS
Kathleen has a unique combination of education and career experiences, including a master’s degree (with a focus on grief and loss) as well as hospice clinical work…. Continue Reading

Marnie Bolin

Mental Health Therapist, Calgary Police Service
Marnie is a mental health therapist with the Calgary Police Service. She has been working in the field of mental health for the last 20 years. ….Continue Reading

Resources

All first responders - your respective organizations have many resources within to support your physical and psychological wellness. Please reach out to HR, Employee Assistance Programs and supervisors for supports



Contact Us

If you have questions regarding the conference, please email us frsac@calgarypolice.ca
or call 403-428-8448