What the experts are saying:

“As part of a comprehensive school prevention program, Choices2: Reaching Out reinforces all the essential messages.  It should both help young people become better equipped to react to a suicidal peer and help suicidal youths better understand that seeking help is not as difficult as they may think.” - Brian L. Mishara, Ph.D., President, International Association for Suicide Prevention; Professor of Psychology and Director of the Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia, University of Quebec at Montreal

 “CHOICES2: Reaching Out is one of the select few videos recommended by the Video Review Committee of the American Association of Suicidology.”   -Lanny Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicodology

 

What students are saying:

“I think that maybe if my sister’s friends had seen this, she would still be alive.” – Grade 9 Student

“I really liked the video. It got to the point and I thought it helped me to better prepare myself if I ever am in that situation. I appreciated this whole presentation. It was of great help.” – Grade 10 Student

 “The documentary really stood out because there were real people that talked about their experience.” - Grade 8 Student

 

What teachers and counsellors are saying:

“If the presentation is about getting friends to seek help from the counsellor, it was most effective. I had about eight drop-ins from kids who were directly affected by the presentation. We sent three referrals to our adolescent emergency response team. One child had been openly discussing suicide with friends all month, but no one had come forward. I also met with two kids who had admitted keeping their friends’ suicidal ideation secret but now realized their mistake and another kid who removed an object used for self-mutilation from am friend.” – Grade 9 counsellor

 “Jamie saw his counsellor yesterday. She happened to see him in the hallway looking kind of glum and asked if he wanted to talk. He took her up on it and he was able to share some things going on in his life. That shows how a workshop like yours can plant a seed and help a student realize that there is help and support within the school and community when you are going through challenging times. Thanks!” – High school teacher

“This is a very impressive simulation – professional quality, complete, and straightforward.” – High school counsellor