Alternatives to Suicide

A peer-led space for people who have lived with suicidal thoughts. Honest, supportive, free.

Free | Confidential | Led by people with lived experience | [format TBD] | We never turn anyone away

Need help finding the right place to start? We’ll guide you.

What this group is about

Alternatives to Suicide is for people who have experienced suicidal thoughts and want a space where they can talk about it honestly, without being silenced, fixed, or escalated. The conversation is led by peers who have been there.

Many people who have lived with suicidal thoughts have not had a space to talk about it without being silenced or escalated. This group is that space.

When it meets.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, virtually via Zoom.

Who comes to this group

Alternatives to Suicide is a free, non-judgmental, non-clinical, peer-led, and confidential drop-in space. People can share difficult thoughts and feelings around suicidal ideation, experience, or self harm, without being assumed to have an illness and without fear of involuntary intervention.

People living with active suicidal thoughts

People who have attempted suicide and want to connect

People who have a long history of suicidal ideation and want ongoing peer support

Anyone who wants to talk honestly about suicide without judgment

How it works

Join us at our Westport office, or join virtually if that meeting is offered.

The facilitator opens the space. There is no agenda you have to follow.

Share if you want to. Listen if you do not. There is no pressure either way.

Testimonials

Caring staff. Skilled support. Positive change.

People come to Positive Directions as a trusted partner, whether for one-on one support or community-level change. We meet you with respect, skill, and support, and help build the approaches and tools that make things better.

“Quinn has supported me through ups and downs… Having Quinn as a mentor and peer supporter has been an awesome experience, as they have been there to talk with me and have offered insight and guidance when I needed it. I think every teenager/young adult should be able to have someone like that.”

“Positive Directions is a tremendous resource for our communities. The work
done by this agency in all aspects of mental health and well-being is
exceptional!”

“What a great addition [your peer substance counselor] has been to our community. She has connected with many students that seek her out every Friday and has already made an impact on their decision making and coping skills.”

“HUGE shoutout to Quinn who miraculously managed to bring E. out of their shell a bit and into a peer support relationship…. E. seems encouraged and hopeful, which has been rare these days!!!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really free?

Yes. Always.

Is it confidential?

What is shared in the group stays in the group. The facilitator will explain confidentiality and its limits at your first meeting.

Do I need to register?

No, just show up. (Some groups may differ; confirm per group at the card on the Support hub.

What if I cannot make every meeting?

Come when you can. There is no attendance requirement.

Related Groups

CT Support Group project

A statewide peer support clearinghouse for young people in Connecticut. Free one-to-one peer support from trained peer supporters

Alternatives to Suicide

A peer-led space for people who have lived with suicidal thoughts, where the conversation is honest and the goal is connection.

SMART Teens

A free weekly group for teens ages 16 to 18 who want to change a habit or cope with what is hard.

SMART Friends & Family

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Alzheimer's Caregivers

A space for caregivers of loved ones living with Alzheimer's or related dementia. Honest conversation, lived experience, and practical support.

SMART Recovery

A science-based, self-empowering recovery group for substance use. Tools, skills, and peer support.

Need a different kind of support?

Counseling, medication management, and prevention programs are all part of what we do.