By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
For the second year in a row, the Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) has been awarded a $10,000 grant for suicide prevention programming, which the division will use primarily to offer the safeTALK program to staff and community members.
On September 10 (which, incidentally, was World Suicide Prevention Day), the Saskatchewan government announced it would award 44 grants totalling more than $400,000 to community partners across the province to support various suicide prevention initiatives.
Most of the grants are for $10,000, though a few are for smaller amounts ranging from $2,760 to $9,993.
As noted on the government’s website, the goal of the Suicide Prevention Grant Program is to create environments that support and enhance mental health and well-being, with an aim of reducing the risk for suicide.
“Suicide is a serious issue that affects many families and communities across Saskatchewan,” said Mental Health and Addicitions Minister Lori Carr.
“I am encouraged by the strong response from groups across the province to the Suicide Prevention Grant Program. These grants are an important way to collaborate with partners to support the mental health of Saskatchewan residents.”
As noted earlier, PSSD also received a $10,000 grant through the program in 2025, with the money also being used for offering SafeTALK.
A spokesperson for PSSD said safeTALK is an internationally recognized program designed to build participants’ confidence and capacity to recognize signs of suicide risk, engage in supportive conversations and connect individuals with the help they need.
Through a practical, evidence-informed approach, participants learn to identify opportunities for intervention and connect at-risk individuals with the help they need.
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, Prairie Spirit’s Caring, Health and Safe Schools team has organized safeTALK training for School Community Council (SCC) members on Saturday, September 19.
This certificate training will be offered at the division office, the spokesperson said.