Skills For Safer Living
A supportive program for youth and young people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for the people who care about them.
Reaching out for support can feel difficult. If you or someone you care about is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone.
Skills for Safer Living is a group-based program designed to help youth, young people, and their support persons build skills, understanding, and connection.
This program offers a safe space to learn practical coping strategies and connect with others who understand what you may be going through.
Program Overview
Skills for Safer Living is a structured, short-term program designed for youth, young people, and their support persons who are navigating suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
The program provides practical tools and supportive conversations that help participants build safer coping strategies and strengthen support systems.
Participants learn ways to:
- Understand and talk about suicidal thoughts safely
- Build coping and emotional regulation skills
- Strengthen communication with trusted supports
- Reduce isolation by connecting with others who share similar experiences
Participation is voluntary and designed to create a supportive, respectful environment.
Who the Program Is For
This program is designed for three groups of participants.
- Youth aged 12–17 who have experienced suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
- Young people aged 18–24 who have experienced suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
- Support Persons. Adults aged 18+ who support a youth or young person experiencing suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. (Support persons may include parents or caregivers, family members, teachers or school staff, counsellors or mentors, or any trusted adult in a young person’s life.)
Whenever possible, youth and young people are encouraged to participate alongside a support person.
Eligibility
Participants must live in Alberta, Canada.
Skills for Safer Living is designed for youth, young people, and support persons who have experienced:
Suicidal thoughts
Suicide attempts
Supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts
If you are outside Alberta, we encourage you to reach out to your local crisis or mental health services to learn about support programs available in your community.
Program Structure
Skills for Safer Living runs in small group cycles.
Each cycle includes:
A series of structured group sessions
Guided conversations led by trained facilitators
Opportunities to learn and practice new coping skills
Connection with others navigating similar experiences
Participants will also have an opportunity to speak with a team member before the program begins to ensure the program is the right fit.
How to Join
If you are interested in participating in Skills for Safer Living, the first step is to complete the Expression of Interest form.
After submitting the form:
A team member will review your information
You will be contacted for a follow-up conversation
If the program is a good fit, you will receive information about upcoming group cycles
This program is not a crisis service.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you are experiencing a crisis or need immediate support, help is available:
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988
Kids Help Phone
Call 1-800-668-6868
Text 686868
Hope for Wellness Line
Call 1-855-242-3310
Support is available 24 hours a day.
If you are interested in learning more or joining an upcoming group, we encourage you to complete the Expression of Interest form.
If you have questions about the Skills for Safer Living program, please contact:
Skills for Safer Living Program Team:
info@sp-rc.ca
This program is being offered at no cost thanks to funding from the Government of Alberta.