How harm reduction and human rights can be introduced to advocacy for suicidal people

 

Online Workshop

With Caroline Mazel-Carlton & Sera Davidow from Wildflower Alliance in the USA, and Mind in Camden's Fiona Malpass.

 

'Alternatives to Suicide' (Alt2Su) describes a non-coercive approach to suicide that focuses on curiosity and relationship-building among those who are struggling. Alt2Su is distinct from the current systemic paradigm of suicide prevention in a few key dimensions.

 

The Alternatives to Suicide Charter operates on the assumption that we are not responsible *for* one another, so much as we are responsible *to* one another to be present and hold and sit with pain and challenge together. Alt2Su represents an alternative to risk assessment, to pathologising individuals and to the use of force. It creates space for meaning-making and considering the context of one's experiences. The phrase "I feel suicidal" can hold many meanings. Yet the space to explore those meanings, to explore the context of such feelings, can be hard to find. As evidence continues to build, of the inefficacy of assessment-oriented interventions and hospitalisation, at reducing suicide rates — what else is available to better hold, express and move through suicidal thoughts?

 

This workshop will seek to answer just that question through an exploration of the Alt2Su approach, groups and philosophy.

 

Come spend time with the Wildflower Alliance, and Mind in Camden, to discuss how harm reduction and human rights can be introduced to advocacy for suicidal people!