CC Cares Suicide Loss Companion Mentor Training
About the Training
Crisis Connections Grief Companion Mentors are suicide loss survivors who have worked through their own grief and wish to assist other survivors as they work through theirs. Companions are not counselors, but fellow loss survivors who are willing to listen attentively with compassion and understanding.
Who: Suicide loss survivors at least 2 years from their loss who have worked their own grief process and have a desire to help others bereaving suicide loss, and are Washington State Residents.
When: Next training to be scheduled
Where: Crisis Connections Belltown and virtually
Suicidologist and postvention expert, Sue Eastgard and colleague Jennifer Barron will co-lead the training. They have been facilitating Cares mentor trainings since 2013. CC Cares Coordinator Laura Nelson will provide logistical assistance.
Because we are licensed as a healthcare provider, all visitors to the Crisis Connections offices must be fully vaccinated. For the same reason, all Crisis Connections volunteers, including those working remotely, must provide proof of vaccination and may be subject to other requirements, including a background check. Trainees must be Washington State residents. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Suicide Loss Grief Companion Mentor Training Sign-up Form
Meet Our Trainers
Sue Eastgard, MSW
Suicidologist
Postvention Expert
Sue Eastgard, MSW is a nationally recognized expert in the field of suicide prevention and postvention. She was the Director of Training for Forefront Suicide Prevention based at the University of Washington, and Chair of the King County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Ms. Eastgard founded the Youth Suicide Prevention Program of Washington State and served as its director. She has served as the Executive Director for the Seattle-King County Crisis Clinic, and President of the American Association of Suicidology. She is a Master Trainer of ASIST and SafeTALK, suicide first aid training programs.
Jennifer Barron, BSW, MBA
Learning and Development Manager
Mary's Place
Ms. Barron was the Principal Investigator on grants associated with rural suicide prevention initiatives awarded through the Washington Women’s Foundation and the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. She has also worked with local partners to create sustainable community suicide prevention coalitions while leading suicide prevention and clinical skills training.
She was responsible for ASMR, safeTALK, and LEARN™ trainings for communities throughout Washington. Collaborating on cross-departmental suicide prevention and postvention work at the University of Washington, Ms. Barron promoted services across Washington State including suicide loss survivor mentor recruitment and training.
CC Cares Companion Mentor
Talking to someone who has survived a loss can be healing for those who have more recently experienced a loss. In addition to a care package, CC Cares also offers phone-based support from companions who have also experienced a suicide loss.
Thank you to our Supporters:
CC Cares Package
Crisis Connections carefully crafts a care package for those who are recently bereaved by a suicide. Included in this package are materials on grief after a suicide as well as comfort items found to be helpful by other survivors of suicide loss. These care packages are currently available for free to families living in Washington State.
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