Ruah Counselling Centre

09/10/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. This year’s theme, Changing the Narrative on Su***de , reminds us that even the smallest conversations can help create more supportive, connected communities.

NL Health Services remains committed to fostering hope, reducing stigma, and building communities that support mental well-being and su***de prevention. We extend our heartfelt thoughts to all individuals, families, and communities affected by su***de.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

Doorways offers same-day, walk-in mental health and addictions counselling, no referral needed. Contact your local Mental Health and Addictions office or call 811 for more information.

Looking for online support? Visit www.nl.bridgethegapp.ca for mental health and substance use resources, interactive tools, and local support connections.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call 811 to speak with a trained crisis responder—available 24/7.

You are not alone. Help is here.

09/10/2026

safeTALK St. John's - World Su***de Prevention Day, By CMHA-NL
Thursday, September 10 • 1 PM - 4:30 PM

safeTALK is a half-day, in-person training workshop that equips participants to recognize and engage people who may be having thoughts of su***de, and to connect them with appropriate community resources trained in su***de intervention.

The “safe” in safeTALK stands for Su***de Alertness For Everyone - because su***de prevention is not just for professionals. It’s for friends. Teammates. Coworkers. Parents. Youth leaders. Neighbours.

Free
3 hours 30 minutes
In person
340 Lemarchant Rd, St. John's, NL A1E 1R2

This half-day in-person training workshop teaches participants to help people who may be having thoughts of su***de.

09/03/2026

Grief and Su***de Loss Support Group

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one to su***de? You are not alone.
Join our 8-week virtual support group designed to help you navigate grief, share experiences, and find hope through connection and healing.

📅 Start Date: October 8, 2026
🕒 Time: Thursdays, 7–9 PM
💻 Location: Online (Zoom)
✅ No fee to attend

Facilitated by experienced professionals, this group offers a safe space to:
✔ Share stories and experiences
✔ Learn strategies for coping and self-care
✔ Connect with others who understand
✔ Engage in reflective and therapeutic activities

Requirements:
Experienced the loss of a loved one (or someone close) by su***de, & 18+ years of age

📌 Register today:
🌐 www.ruahcounselling.ca
📧 [email protected]
📞 709-579-0168

Let’s walk this journey together. 💜

09/01/2026

Our September Peer Support Group Calendar is here! 💙

A new month brings new opportunities to connect, reflect, and grow together. Whether you're looking for understanding, encouragement, or a safe space to share your experiences, our peer support groups are here to meet you where you are.

Throughout September, we'll explore meaningful conversations around:

💙 Week One: Avoidance
💙 Week Two: Feeling Safe
💙 Week Three: Values
💙 Week Four: Communication
💙 Week Five: Anger

This month, we're also hosting our Family Workshop, a space for families to connect, learn, and explore ways to support themselves and loved ones with mental health, substance use health, and addiction issues.

Each group is guided by trained Peer Supporters with lived experience and offers a welcoming, judgment-free space where everyone is treated with empathy, respect, and hope.

Peer Support Groups:
📍 In-Person: 70 The Blvd., St. John's (no registration required)
💻 Virtual: Email [email protected] to receive the meeting link.

Whatever September brings, you don't have to face it alone. We're here, and there's always a place for you at Lifewise. 💙

08/27/2026

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀

Join NL Health Services this World Su***de Prevention Day for a virtual event celebrating the power of creativity to inspire hope, foster connection, and support mental well-being.

Experience meaningful performances, creative expression, and personal stories from individuals across Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighting how the arts can help build hope, resilience, and connection.

Date: September 10, 2026

Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (Newfoundland) | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (most of Labrador)

Where: Virtual via Webex

Register today:

https://nlhsvc.webex.com/weblink/register/r15892cbc2a9d361e6a369af97297c4e4

For information about mental health and addictions services, please visit: https://nlhealthservices.ca/areas-of-care/mental-health-and-addictions-services/

08/19/2026

Grief and Su***de Loss Support Group

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one to su***de? You are not alone.

Join our 8-week virtual support group designed to help you navigate grief, share experiences, and find hope through connection and healing.

📅 Start Date: October 8, 2026
🕒 Time: Thursdays, 7–9 PM
💻 Location: Online (Zoom)
✅ No fee to attend

Facilitated by experienced professionals, this group offers a safe space to:
✔ Share stories and experiences
✔ Learn strategies for coping and self-care
✔ Connect with others who understand
✔ Engage in reflective and therapeutic activities

Requirements:
Experienced the loss of a loved one (or someone close) by su***de, & 18+ years of age

📌 Register today:
🌐 www.ruahcounselling.ca
📧 [email protected]
📞 709-579-0168

Let’s walk this journey together. 💜

08/14/2026

After a su***de loss, I’ve seen people get stuck on one question: why.

A friend once told me about a phone call they had the night before a friend died by su***de.

Just a short conversation, nothing alarming. And for years afterward, my friend carried one sentence: "What if I'd said something different?"

Our mind almost always reaches for a moment it believes it could have changed the outcome.

Grieving a loss from su***de is complicated in this way, and if you’d like to learn more about how to support others or find support if this is a loss you’ve experience….

…I’m doing a free event with Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, MD, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention.

Helping With Grief After Su***de: What Helps, What Hurts, and What No One Tells You Thursday, August 20 | 12pm PT / 3pm ET Free.
One hour. And a replay sent to everyone who registers.

I invite you to join us.

Link to register is below.
https://www.davidkesslertraining.com/grief-after-su***de

07/07/2026

💙 Lifewise July Lunch & Learn – Coping with Financial Stress: Supporting Well-Being 💙

Money stress can have a significant impact on mental health, affecting how we think, feel, and cope with everyday life. Join our Mental Health Facilitators for a supportive virtual Lunch & Learn as we explore the connection between financial stress and well-being.

Together, we'll discuss how financial pressures can influence our mental health while sharing practical strategies, coping tools, and available supports that can help build resilience and promote wellness.

📅 Date: July 17, 2026
🕐 Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
💻 Location: Virtual
💲 Cost: Free

🔗 Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/cYz7S9iw4a

Or scan the QR code on the poster.

For more information, contact Megan Taylor at [email protected].

Join us for an informative and supportive conversation about financial stress, mental health, and practical ways to support your well-being.

[ID] Promotional graphic for the Lifewise Lunch & Learn titled “Coping with Financial Stress: Supporting Well-Being.” The graphic features a teal background with a large blue circle containing the event information in white text. The session takes place on Friday, July 17, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. and will be held virtually through Microsoft Teams. The Lifewise logo is positioned in the top left corner. On the right side of the graphic is a photo of a person writing in a notebook with a gold pen while holding paper money, with a calculator resting nearby. Additional text reads “Free Session” and “Lunch & Learn.” In the bottom left corner, Megan Taylor’s contact information ([email protected]) appears alongside a QR code for registration.

07/06/2026

On June 3, 2026, we gathered to celebrate a meaningful milestone-50 years of mental health care and community connection.

For five decades, Ruah Counselling Centre (formerly The Family Life Bureau) has been committed to supporting mental health and strengthening our community with compassion, dignity, and care. Our anniversary celebration gave us the opportunity to reflect on our history, recognize those who have shaped our journey, and look ahead to the future we continue to build together.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our volunteer board members, committee members, staff, donors, supporters, and contributors. To everyone who joined us in person-and to those who supported us from afar-thank you for being part of this special occasion.

A special thank you to Sam and Sheila Davis for their generous sponsorship of our event, and to Jack Byrne Arena for graciously providing the Community Room and helping make this celebration possible.

Your dedication, generosity, and belief in our mission allow us to continue providing accessible counselling services and strengthening the well-being of our community. It truly takes a community to do this work, and we are grateful to be on this journey together.

Here's to 50 years of service, compassion, and connection-and to the years ahead. 💙

07/02/2026

📣Next week’s Reconnecting Body and Mind session will go ahead on:

🗓️ THURSDAY, July 2, 2026
⏰ 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Sign up sheet: https://forms.office.com/r/T6z94dVMEg

Childcare stipends, mileage compensation, and transportation support in the form of 2-ride bus passes will be provided to help limit any barriers to participation.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out at
📧 [email protected] or
☎️ (709) 747-7757