Boys and Girls Clubs Stresses Strong Relationships Between Adults and Young People as Key to Suicide Prevention

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.   In Canada, suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15 to 24 year olds. It follows motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death among Canadian youth and it is the number one cause of death for marginalized youth such as First Nations. Studies have shown unequivocally that the presence of an adult or peer mentor – a person with whom youth can identify and from whom they gather strength – is the most important factor in keeping youth from being overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression and suicide.   Caring adults and mentors