Experiences with Suicide: African, Caribbean, and Black Communities in Canada

Approximately 4,500 deaths by suicide occur in Canada every year. Data exist to explain differences between sexes and age groups regarding suicide patterns; however, our understanding of the specific experiences of diverse groups is lacking. Consequently, our knowledge of factors that impact risk of suicide and, in turn, effective suicide prevention approaches in African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities is limited.

To improve our understanding of the experiences of ACB communities with suicide, this resource was co-created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada alongside a diverse group of people from ACB communities with lived and living experience (PWLLE) with suicide. This resource aims to:

• shed light on the realities of those impacted by suicide from the lens of persons with lived and living experience in ACB communities in Canada, providing wider context around stigma, systemic racism and systematic barriers to access;
• develop recommendations for policy makers, researchers, and service providers to dismantle stigma, increase access to care, and improve service delivery for those impacted by suicide in ACB communities in Canada; and
• provide culturally competent, accessible resources for those in ACB communities impacted by experience with suicide.

Findings from the literature, as well as experiences and input shared by PWLLE, informed the content included in this resource.