Thoughts of suicide and attempts are among the most marginalized human experiences. The experience itself is isolating. Many people with suicidal urges carry shame and have learned to keep silent about their feelings. Alt2su is a Harm Reduction approach that takes a different perspective than traditional Suicide Prevention.
ABOUT US
What is Alt2su? How is it different than traditional forms of Suicide prevention? There is no referral or assessment process. There is no formal attendance taken at any group. No one is going to force you to go to the hospital for talking openly about suicidal experiences. At Alt2su, we recognize the fear of forced hospitalization as a contributing factor to why some folks may not ever talk about these experiences. We recognize that if people do not have a supportive space to discuss suicidal thoughts or ideations, they become more likely to attempt. Our aim is not only to provide support but take the shame and stigma off of these experiences.
To learn more about some of our values, here is a pdf for the network charter. Alternatives to Suicide was developed by the Wildflower Alliance in Western Massachusetts, in 2008.
TRAINING
Alt2su trainings are available on YouTube. If you are looking for additional information on training and/or other opportunities please visit Wild Flower Alliance Trainings. For additional information on Alt2su trainings and offerings, please contact Jennifer Tirado at jtirado@toivocenter.org.
An Overview of the “Alternatives to Suicide” Approach
N.A.P.S. Webinar #43 – The “Alternatives to Suicide” Approach
SUPPORT GROUPS
Here’s information on our current support groups.
Alternatives to Suicide New London (paused 8/28 & 9/4 – will resume 9/11)
Every Monday from 2-3:30pm
At 12 Step Recovery Solutions
155 Montauk Ave, New London
For more information contact Claudia (weizbackup@gmail.com)
Alternatives to Suicide On Zoom
Every Monday from 3:30-5pm
For Zoom link contact Heidi Veiner (hviener@toivocenter.org)
Alternatives to Suicide Middletown
Every Tuesday from 6:30-8pm
At Free Center Middletown
52 North Main Street, Middletown
For more information contact Claudia (weizbackup@gmail.com)
Alternatives to Suicide Westport
Every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm
At Positive Directions
90 Post Road West, Westport
For more information contact Positive Directions (Alt2Su@positivedirections.org)
Alternatives to Suicide Hartford
Every Wednesday from 5-6:30pm
At Toivo
1477 Park St, Suite 102, Hartford
For more information contact Jennifer Tirado (jtirado@toivocenter.org)
Alternatives to Suicide Danbury
Every Wednesday from 6-7:30pm
At UU Congregation of Danbury
24 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury
For more information contact Linda (seayalt2su@gmail.com)
Alternatives to Suicide Waterbury – Starting September 14th
Every Thursday from 1:45-3:15pm
At The Center for Human Development Hospitality Center
690 East Main St, Waterbury
For more information contact Jennifer (jtirado@toivocenter.org)
Alternatives to Suicide on Zoom – Starting September 14th
Every Thursday from 6:30-8pm
For Zoom link contact Jennifer (jtirado@toivocenter.org)