Headwaters Communities in ActionSACWD
Sharing Recipient Stories
2021 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$1,000 | Youth & Senior Services
MindWise for Older Adults
Peer to peer initiatives and relationship building are hallmarks of the Suicide Awareness Council WD’s vision and values. MindWise reflects this spirit.
Seniors over 65 have a very high risk for suicide, and their attempts are often more fatal. In Canada, older men die by suicide more than any other demographic.
A loss of independence, fewer relationships and connections as people age, chronic illness, poor mental health and loneliness are a few reasons why older adults consider suicide. Seniors, particularly in rural communities, are often isolated, may have limited transportation options and unreliable access to technology and the Internet. One, or a combination of these factors, can cause distress, unhealthy coping and suicidal thoughts.
The pandemic led to a sharp decrease in face-to-face support and services. The Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County and the Council identified a need to help older adults build resilience in a friendly and accessible way. A protective factor for suicide is connection and knowing where to find help and hope. With the help of the Dufferin Community Grant, MindWise was created. mindwise-for-older-adults-second-edition.pdf (sacwd.ca)
The Alzheimer Society and the Council’s older adult volunteers wrote, provided pictures, and curated a small twenty-four-page printed magazine for seniors by seniors. Their experiences and ideas are reflected in MindWise. It provides helpline numbers, uplifting stories, hopeful quotes, beautiful photos, a puzzle and a recipe or two. It gives seniors a place to find laughter, learning, inspiration and suicide prevention resources to remind them why their lives matter
Copies of MindWise were widely distributed through a network of organizations, groups and individuals across Dufferin County. (An electronic is also available). MindWise was met with a lot of gratitude for “this beautiful magazine”. There were phone calls from seniors wanting to submit material for the next issue and messages of connection and belonging. “Thanks for remembering us.”
At its heart, MindWise is about suicide awareness and prevention. One suicide is always one too many.
Contact & Social Media Information
Suicide Awareness Council of Wellington–Dufferin
