Alternatives to Suicide
A peer-led space for people who live with thoughts, feelings or experiences around suicide and self-harm. Honest, nonjudgmental, free.
Need help finding the right place to start? Just ask – we’ll guide you.
We are an outpatient clinic operating during set business hours. If you need immediate mental health support, call or text 988 or dial 2-1-1, option 1. If you or someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911.
What this group is about
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. The conversation is led by peers who have personal experience with these issues and are trained in the “Alt2Su” model.
When it meets.
Every Wednesday at 8pm EST, virtually via Zoom.
Who comes to this group
Alternatives to Suicide is for people with thoughts, feelings or experiences of suicide or self-harm who want a safe space where they can talk about things honestly, without being silenced, fixed, judged, or hospitalized for expressing their feelings.
- 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 virtually via Zoom. The facilitator opens the space.
- Jen will welcome you. There’s no specific agenda to follow, and no “right” number of people to attend.
- Share if you want to. Listen if you do not. There is no pressure either way.
I’ve had 6 students come to me with concerns about a peer or friend that they became aware of after your QPR training. All these students brought forward valid and concerning situations and shared that the training helped them feel more confident addressing concerns and seeking help. Thank you again for the impact of this work—it’s clearly making a difference.
We are so fortunate to have Positive Directions serving Fairfield County- the team is compassionate, professional and extremely talented – I highly recommend them for young people and their families in need of their services.
Positive Directions is tremendous resource for our communities. The work done by this agency in all aspects of mental health and well-being is exceptional!
Positive Directions’ leadership of The Norwalk Partnership coalition gives us tools and resources that as partnering organizations and individuals we likely wouldn’t have otherwise. For example, the data from the youth surveys, where queer and marginalized youth have consistently shown up as highest risk, has created momentum and opportunities for Triangle Community Center to push on initiatives and programs specifically supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
It was great being in your [training] session today. I learned a ton!
What a great addition Jennifer was to our school community. She connected with many students who seek her out, and she made an impact on their decision making and coping skills.
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 at every meeting.
Do I need to register?
No, just show up. The link is posted on our website.
What if I cannot make every meeting?
Come when you can. There is no attendance requirement.
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Need a different kind of support?
Counseling, medication management, and prevention programs are all part of what we do.