Community Lifelines

Check out www.communitylifelines.com

Community Lifelines is a group that provides strengths-based approaches to solutions for challenges related to wellness, mental health and suicide prevention. Their focus is on the importance of connectednes to mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. Connectedness of individuals, families and communities.

David Masecar, a Psychological Associate who runs the organization quotes the following:

"A few years ago I had the opportunity to take a closer look at how communities are able to go from high suicide rates to much lower rates, or how individuals and families were able to lessen the impact of suicide, even multiple suicides. In meeting with individuals and groups, sharing stories one factor became clear - connectedness. Individuals, families and communities that increased connectedness experienced a decline in the number of suicides and their impact. Connectedness could mean connecting with culture, family, community, each other or even activities. Since that time, in stories, comments and observations shared by individuals, families and communities, this theme has repeated many times over."

And says:
The above is both simple and complex. The idea of increased "connectedness" can be misinterpreted as "if we all just hold hands and get along", our problems will be solved. While true to some degree, the dynamic of connectedness requires recognizing the impact of history, trauma and how systems (political, social, economic, religious) fragment, rather than connect communities. it also requires different frameworks for addressing challenges (biological, psychological, social and spiritual) that build upon skills and resources, rather than reinforcing deficits and dysfunction.

Community Lifelines conducts research, provides workshops and training and provides conference and meeting planning. More detailed information about these services can be found on their website, along with links to other resources - toolkits, pamphlets, check-lists and links to presentations, websites and organizations.