Upcoming Events
Find Support After a Loss to Suicide: Join Safe Place
Safe Place provides those who have lost someone to suicide a caring, confidential, and peer-based support group where they don’t have to be alone with their grief.
Facilitated by trained volunteers who are also suicide loss survivors, Safe Place offers a caring, confidential space to connect and heal.
Meetings are free of charge and open to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Participants may share as much or as little as they’d like, and there is no “right” time to begin attending—just what feels right for you.
Support Group Details:
Begins: Monday, April 14, 2025
Meets: Every 2nd & 4th Monday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST
Format: Online via Zoom (Those interested can register once to receive the Zoom link, which can be used to attend any future session.)
To learn more and register to attend, visit https://capesamaritans.org/grief-services/
Find Support After a Loss to Suicide: Join Safe Place
Safe Place provides those who have lost someone to suicide a caring, confidential, and peer-based support group where they don’t have to be alone with their grief.
Facilitated by trained volunteers who are also suicide loss survivors, Safe Place offers a caring, confidential space to connect and heal.
Meetings are free of charge and open to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Participants may share as much or as little as they’d like, and there is no “right” time to begin attending—just what feels right for you.
Support Group Details:
Begins: Monday, April 14, 2025
Meets: Every 2nd & 4th Monday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST
Format: Online via Zoom (Those interested can register once to receive the Zoom link, which can be used to attend any future session.)
To learn more and register to attend, visit https://capesamaritans.org/grief-services/
Find Support After a Loss to Suicide: Join Safe Place
Safe Place provides those who have lost someone to suicide a caring, confidential, and peer-based support group where they don’t have to be alone with their grief.
Facilitated by trained volunteers who are also suicide loss survivors, Safe Place offers a caring, confidential space to connect and heal.
Meetings are free of charge and open to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Participants may share as much or as little as they’d like, and there is no “right” time to begin attending—just what feels right for you.
Support Group Details:
Begins: Monday, April 14, 2025
Meets: Every 2nd & 4th Monday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST
Format: Online via Zoom (Those interested can register once to receive the Zoom link, which can be used to attend any future session.)
To learn more and register to attend, visit https://capesamaritans.org/grief-services/
L.I.S.T.E.N - Virtual Training
We’re excited to offer the L.I.S.T.E.N. Training – Tools for Showing Up During Hard Times, a 90-minute session designed to help us better support those who may be struggling with mental health, substance use, or suicidal challenges.
This training provides practical tools to actively listen, connect, and offer meaningful support—before a crisis occurs. The L.I.S.T.E.N. framework (Listen, Inquire, Support, Tell, Encourage, Notice) gives a clear, trauma-informed approach to showing up for others while also taking care of ourselves.
Who is this for? - This is for anyone who is or may be supporting someone in their personal life who is going through a hard time.
Meet the Trainer: Joanna Bridger, LICSW is the Director of Safety, Hope, & Healing Counseling & Consulting. With over 20 years of experience working with youth, families, and communities affected by trauma and loss, she has provided clinical consultation, organizational support, and training across the U.S. and abroad. Joanna has played a key role in suicide prevention efforts in Massachusetts, including co-chairing the Greater Boston Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Why attend?
Short, impactful 90-minute format
Based on research and lived experience
Focuses on social connection as a key protective factor
Provides ongoing resources beyond the session
Find Support After a Loss to Suicide: Join Safe Place
Safe Place provides those who have lost someone to suicide a caring, confidential, and peer-based support group where they don’t have to be alone with their grief.
Facilitated by trained volunteers who are also suicide loss survivors, Safe Place offers a caring, confidential space to connect and heal.
Meetings are free of charge and open to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Participants may share as much or as little as they’d like, and there is no “right” time to begin attending—just what feels right for you.
Support Group Details:
Begins: Monday, April 14, 2025
Meets: Every 2nd & 4th Monday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST
Format: Online via Zoom (Those interested can register once to receive the Zoom link, which can be used to attend any future session.)
To learn more and register to attend, visit https://capesamaritans.org/grief-services/
Find Support After a Loss to Suicide: Join Safe Place
Safe Place provides those who have lost someone to suicide a caring, confidential, and peer-based support group where they don’t have to be alone with their grief.
Facilitated by trained volunteers who are also suicide loss survivors, Safe Place offers a caring, confidential space to connect and heal.
Meetings are free of charge and open to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Participants may share as much or as little as they’d like, and there is no “right” time to begin attending—just what feels right for you.
Support Group Details:
Begins: Monday, April 14, 2025
Meets: Every 2nd & 4th Monday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST
Format: Online via Zoom (Those interested can register once to receive the Zoom link, which can be used to attend any future session.)
To learn more and register to attend, visit https://capesamaritans.org/grief-services/
CMSPC Monthly Meeting w/ Guest Speaker Karina Kelley
This is a reminder for the January meeting happening this week, January 17th @ 11:30am ET.
We will be joined by speaker Karina Kelley. Karina Kelley-Jiménez is a wife, mother and a passionate advocate for human rights and the medically vulnerable in ICE custody. Inspired by the beautiful life and tragic death of her brother, Jeancarlo, she works tirelessly to transform personal loss into purpose, serving as a voice for change, and bridging communities with compassion and hope for a brighter future.
Her work is directly connected to suicide awareness and the impact that ICE custody has on detainees.
We ask you to join and learn more about what our Central Massachusetts Coalition can do to support those who have been impacted by the immigration process. The relationship between immigration and suicide risk is one that we have yet to bring up in our meetings, and we are thankful for this opportunity to have the open forum to learn from Karina Kelly.
Here is the zoom link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89959397390
Reach out if you have any questions.
What to Know, What to Expect: Juvenile Justice 102
Who is this workshop for?
PPAL workshops are meant for parents, caregivers, family members, individuals, family partners, and/or peer leaders with experience supporting children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs.
This workshop is for families whose children are entering, or have recently entered, the Juvenile Justice system. Learn how to work with the Department of Youth Services (DYS), what to expect in court, the commitment process, and how to support your youth returning home.
About The Parent/Professional Advocacy League
The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is a statewide family organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well being of children, youth and families through education, advocacy and partnership.
Price: FREE!
When: Thursday, 11/20/24
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Where: Virtual on Zoom
Juvenile Justice Basics: Juvenile Justice 101
Who is this workshop for?
PPAL workshops are meant for parents, caregivers, family members, individuals, family partners, and/or peer leaders with experience supporting children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs.
How do children enter the Juvenile Justice system? This workshop is for families whose children are at risk of entering, or have recently entered, the Juvenile Justice system. Learn essential information about the process, interactions with police, racial disparities, and the impact on youth and families.
Price: FREE!
When: Wednesday, 11/13/24
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Where: Virtual on Zoom
Suicide Prevention - (#333) New Developments in Understanding, Managing, and Treating Suicidal Behavior
The field of suicide prevention is evolving with important new empirically supported theories and interventions. This workshop will review major recent innovations including:
Theories to explain suicide
Safety plans to assist individuals in managing suicide urges
Treatments to resolve or at least neutralize suicidality
2024 Central MA Walk to Prevent Suicide - Walk With Us To Prevent Suicide
Event Information
REGISTER HERE
We walk rain or shine!
Date: Saturday, September 28
Location: Polar Park, Worcester, MA
On-Site Registration Starts: 9:00 am on the DCU Plaza
Program Starts: 10:30 am
Walk Length: 5K or 3.1 miles (1/4 mile loop inside park for shorter option)
Dog Friendly: Service dogs only, please
Parking: Please use the Green Island Blvd parking garage located directly across from Polar Park. Click here for rates. (Participants may be able to find free or metered parking in the Canal District on event day.)
Contact: Laura VanVoorhis
Contact Email: ljovv@yahoo.com
Register today! Click the button above to get started.
Central Mass Coalition Meeting
JOIN OUR ZOOM CALL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89959397390
2024 National Night Out (Worcester)
LOCATION:
Fuller Family (YMCA) Park, 104 Murray Avenue, Worcester, MA 01610
Celebrate the Worcester community and public safety partners with a fun night out for families.
Free food, entertainment, prizes, K-9 demonstration, SWAT team mini challenge, sunk dunk, community organizations, and more.
Hosts:
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Worcester County District Attorney’s Office
For more information, contact:
Worcester National Night Out Committee
508-799-8600 x28324
July MCSP General Membership Meeting
We will feature a presentation of the 2024 Uplifting Visions Finalists and explore further possibilities:
Empowerment and Healing through the Arts
Representation and Access
If you are new to MCSP and have some questions/concerns, feel free to email ptessier@jri.org
Innovation Summit
You have been cordially invited to come and share your vision and innovation for suicide prevention in Massachusetts. This is a full day summit where participants will share their insights and help to guide suicide prevention direction throughout regions and the state.
LOCATION: WORCESTER SENIOR CENTER 128 PROVIDENCE STREET
Plenty of free parking.
Continental breakfast and lunch will be served .
Mental Health Awareness Month
On behalf of Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Health and Human Services Commissioner Dr. Mattie Castiel I am happy to invite you to attend an event organized by the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force on Tuesday, May 14th starting at 4pm at Worcester City Hall! This event is in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, and will feature community resource tables, activities, networking, panelists and guest speakers including community members with lived experience, DMH Commissioner Brooke Doyle, Senator Robyn Kennedy, Safe Homes, the Gender Wellness Initiative, and Worcester RISE for Health. Please see the attached flyer for details and share with your networks.
You can register here. The flyer also has a QR code to register.
Hope to see you on May 14th!
2024 Massachusetts Advocacy Day
REGISTER TODAY: https://afsp.quorum.us/event/2024MASCD/?_kx=p7D7LvyX9iEXlFXNreU0tw.HEwQGA
Hosted by the AFSP Massachusetts Chapter and the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP), Advocacy Day brings together passionate volunteers to advocate for state policy funding and policies that will improve mental health and prevent suicide.
This year’s event will begin with a virtual training session hosted on April 9 on the basics of an effective advocacy visit and current policy issues impacting suicide prevention. Presenters will summarize the budget asks that will be presented to our legislators.
Next, advocates will be encouraged to meet with their state Representatives and Senators. Those able to meet in-person can join us on April 22 at the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill. Those who can’t come to Boston will be asked to set up a virtual meeting or visit a regional office.
We will meet with our state legislators to:
- Share with them why suicide prevention is important to YOU and to your community
- Educate them about continuing to fund the work being done in the community to prevent suicide
- Advocate for support for 988 by supporting long-term funding and resources
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. We ask all advocates to attend the virtual training session on April 9. If you are unable to attend, please let us know. Following the virtual training program, advocates will be asked to attend meetings with their state Representatives and Senators in person or to set up a virtual or local meeting.
23rd Annual Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Conference
Save The Date for the 23rd Annual Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Conference
Discussion on The Evolving Dynamics of the Polysubstance Use Crisis
Featured Speaker: Dr. Wilson Compton
This event will cover:
Polysubstance Use
Roots of Addiction
Health Aspects in the Criminal Justice System
Current MA Research Programs
For resource tables, please contact ashley.rucci@mass.gov
For more information, please contact luke.piers@mass.gov & caroline.root@mass.gov
MCSP State House Day
Join us in honoring our slate of awardees at the MCSP Annual State House Event on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. (Breakfast and registration will begin at 9:30am)
We are very excited to announce this year's awardees!
Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano – 3rd Norfolk
Senator Paul Feeney – Foxboro
Sylvia Temple – Telecheck program volunteer of Call2Talk
Jennie Babcock – Co-chair of the Plymouth County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Heidi Lee – MCSP Alliance for Equity
Karen Carreira- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Brian Berkel – President of the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention
