Suicide is a long-term answer to what is probably a short-term problem.
Why this conference?
As a result of COVID-19, more Canadians have suffered with a greater loss of their mental health. With the loss of jobs, income, and an uncertain future, many — even people of faith — are anxious, depressed, and not sure how to go on.
The Suicide Perseverance Conference will provide attendees with an awareness of identifying those who may be at risk of suicide and how to effectively engage with them.
Why the Church?
Is the faith community adequately prepared to support each other during these difficult times? Do churches and faith leaders have a plan to help those on the brink of suicide?
This conference will:
-share stories of hope and recovery
-give authentic answers of why people die of suicide
-educate you on the signs
-give insight on how to help those considering taking their own lives
Be better prepared:
-Know the signs
-Have a plan
-Get the support and resources you need through this event
Conference Features:
Stories of Hope - Suicide Awareness Sessions - Guest Panel - Q & A - Agora Network Ministries Presentation - Mental Wellness Vendors - Mental Wellness Resources and Supports
Speakers:
Allan & Bonnie Gallant - Bonnie and Allan Gallant know what it’s like to be on the other side of mental health. They have founded a ministry that supports the church and those struggling with mental health. Bonnie and Allan are the authors of, ‘The Beautiful Strokes of God’, a book depicting their personal struggle with mental health. With years of experience, their passion is to come along side the church, share their message of hope and to provide healing those struggling with mental health.
Bart Campbell - Bart Campbell for almost 25 years has been learning the practical side of Loving God and Loving others by ministering to those struggling with poverty, mental health and addictions while pastoring at Hamilton North Christian Centre, an inner-city church. Bart has always been bi-vocational. He is the presently the Pastor (2017) of Potter’s Clay Ministries, worked at Christian Horizon’s with high behaviour men, and has worked with Good Shepherd Barrett Centre for Crisis Support and St Joseph’s COAST Program for people at risk of Suicide, Self Harm and Addictions. He is trained in ASIST- (Suicide Prevention) is presently working at St Joseph’s Hospital COAST program assessing risk for those and unable to cope.He lives in Hamilton with his wife Arlene of almost 40 years, has four children and 6 grandchildren.
Gord Baptist - Gord has over 4 decades of experience working with Sun Life Financial as a marketing representative developing promotional and training material. Gord also conducts workshops in churches on estate planning and legacy giving along with principles on debt reduction and budgeting A son of a Pastor, Gord currently serves in a church in London, Ontario and assists full time ministers in evangelical associations with pension advisement. He serves on the Advisor Council for Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario. He’s been happily married for over 40 years, has two children and two grandchildren.
Rebecca Park - Becky resides in Southern Ontario with her husband James and their 3 children. As a Nurse Practitioner and advocate for mental health, Becky brings much clinical experience and personal experience to the Agora Ministry. Becky has worked both in Canada and the United States in many Emergency rooms of level 1 trauma. Agora is blessed to have her as a Board member.