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Purpose of the Survivors of Suicide Loss Speakers Bureau

• To raise awareness of the effects of suicide and promote suicide prevention.
• To increase understanding and acceptance of mental illness and to reduce the stigma associated
  with death by suicide that prevents survivors from seeking help.

Through their unique perspective and understanding, SOSL speakers educate college, high school and community groups about the effects of suicide and suicide prevention. SOSL speakers share information on suicide issues with law enforcement, first responders, crisis volunteers, faith based organizations and health professionals.

What kinds of organizations or agencies request SOSL presentations?

Philanthropic clubs, school groups, law enforcement, emergency responders, health professionals, nonprofits, or faith based organizations.

What topics can be requested?

Information about the scope of services SOSL provides; suicide prevention adapted for specific audiences; impact of suicide on individuals, families, groups and the community; resources for helping a survivor heal.

Suicide prevention training is also available

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) gatekeeper training for suicide prevention. QPR is designed to give members of the general public the basic skills necessary to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. This free training is 60 to 75 minutes in length.

How do I submit a request?

Please email your request to info@SOSLsd.org and please submit your request no later than 30 days prior to your event.

Following receipt of your request form, we will typically respond in 3 – 5 business days. We cannot guarantee that an appropriate representative will be available for every event.

There are no fees associated with a request for a speaker, but donations to SOSL are appreciated.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

I have heard many people talk about suicide, but it is always been general and vague. Thank you for being so different. You were open, honest and specific. You made it real to us. That must have been hard.
If I saw any signs in someone I love, I will be quick to do something about it. I know now that it maybe my only chance.
Thank you,
-M.

Camille,
Your presentation was moving and really touched me. It inspired me to try my best to be more aware of my friends and how their stresses affect their feelings. It has definitely made me more aware. I think giving out specific hotlines or places to turn to if we know someone we think might be considering suicide would be helpful. Your presentation was great.

Thank you,
-J.

Camille,
Thank you so much for sharing your suicide experience. You seemed so strong despite your recent struggles. Even though I’ve never experienced a suicide loss, I could definitely empathize with you. Luckily, thanks to you and Linda speaking about SOSL I was able to help keep my ex-boyfriend from committing suicide. He was so upset about our break-up that he said he was thinking about committing suicide. Being a recent ex-girlfriend and trying to set my boundaries by not talking with him, I really thought he was trying to guilt me back into being with him. But, because of your talk I realized that it could have been more than a threat, so I talked to his sister and was able to get him the support he needs. Now I don’t have the burden of being the only one that knows and I can rest at night knowing he will have emotional support from his family.
Thank you for giving me the courage and strength to hopefully have saved my ex-boyfriend’s life.
-S.