Spears + Shields Suicide Prevention Training

Suicide Prevention Training For those living and working with youths 12+

Together, we can help prevent suicide

Youths can, and do, think about suicide.

Unfortunately, most youth will talk to a peer instead of an adult about these life-threatening thoughts.

However, there is a lot we can do to reach out to young people and start conversations around suicide, safety planning, and to encourage them to have these conversations with a trusted adult to prevent suicide and build a safety plan.

Youths walking and talking
Young friends in the forest

About Spears + Shields Suicide Prevention Training

Spears + Shields is an evidence-informed training centered around suicide prevention and safety planning.

This training is designed for those working with and caring for youth ages 12 and older. A modified version is available to be taught in Grade 6-12 classrooms so students can also learn directly how to help themselves.

The ‘SPEARS’ in the program name represent elements that are destructive to the wellbeing of young people, such as eroded family bonds, cyber bullying, peer pressure, and so on.

‘SHIELDS’ represent elements that provide protection between youths and the spears that are threatening their wellbeing. Shields include quality time with a caring adult, learning a new ability, spending time with friends, and learning about resources.

Spears + Shields Training Topics

  • What to say and do if a youth, or their friend, may be thinking about suicide
  • What adults can do to support young people that peers can’t provide
  • The intersection of bullying, self-injury, and suicide risk
  • Why adults need to reach out to youths proactively
  • Exploring spears and shields, and how to use them to enhance safety
  • The ABCs of self-care and safety planning

Why Choose Spears + Shields?

One of the most dangerous risk factors for youths is to be left alone with thoughts of suicide.

The sooner young people find safe spaces to share their thoughts of suicide and learn about safety planning, the sooner they’ll gain the tools to keep themselves safe.

Early intervention is key! By attending this training participants will learn about risk factors (spears), protective factors (shields) and what to say or do if a young person tells you they, or a friend, are having thoughts of suicide.

How Is Spears + Shields Delivered?

Spears + Shields training can be delivered virtually, or in person. We aim to meet a variety of learning styles by taking a storytelling approach, and using interactive activities for a transformative training experience.
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Post workshop survey results showed a 53.3% increase in levels of confidence to consult on suicide prevention strategies and support regarding children and youth.

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100% of the Mental Health Professionals who took this training strongly agreed this workshop added value to the work they do.

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Before the workshop 60% either somewhat agreed or strongly disagreed that they felt confident about consulting on suicide prevention and support.

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After the workshop, 80% said their confidence level about consulting on suicide prevention and support increased significantly!

Spears + Shields program Testimonials:

“The best training I have ever attended.”
Social Worker, Ontario
“The best training I have ever attended.”
Social Worker
Social Worker, Ontario
“Shawna is an excellent facilitator/trainer. Her manner and approach to each attendee’s participation in the workshop was welcoming, unassuming and non-judgmental. She practiced active listening. She was knowledgeable, not only theoretically but realistically. She was grounded in her knowledge but also experiences. She appeared to be a genuine spirit – able to connect with the group. Her voice and demeanor is very soothing and easy to listen to. Learnt alot from the workshop! ”
Child and Youth Counsellor, Ontario
“Shawna is an excellent facilitator/trainer. Her manner and approach to each attendee’s participation in the workshop was welcoming, unassuming and non-judgmental. She practiced active listening. She was knowledgeable, not only theoretically but realistically. She was grounded in her knowledge but also experiences. She appeared to be a genuine spirit – able to connect with the group. Her voice and demeanor is very soothing and easy to listen to. Learnt alot from the workshop!”
Child and Youth Counsellor 2
Child and Youth Counsellor, Ontario
“Amazing. I appreciated her focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Engaging, good flow and pace, used different tools.”
Child and Youth Counsellor, Ontario
“Amazing. I appreciated her focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Engaging, good flow and pace, used different tools.”
Child and Youth Counsellor
Child and Youth Counsellor, Ontario

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