ACTIVATING HOPE LEARNING CENTER
Activating Hope Co-Lead / Research Director DeQuincy Lezine, Ph.D.,
On how his career in Suicidology was shaped by Lived Experience
INTEGRATING THE VALUE OF LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SUICIDE
from people who experienced suicide intensity like attempt survivors is a seismic change in how we think about and what we do about preventing suicide. The work of making this change real is very valuable and also challenging as it represents significant shift in culture at the community and organizational as well.
Developing "learning communities" that involve stakeholders is essential to moving from innovation to long-term systems change and social change. Here people will share their 'lived experience' making these changes happen and provide tips for others to consider in their "Activating Hope" Journey.
VISION OF A SEA CHANGE
"The Way FoRWARD.."
The Way Forward …
Pathways to Hope, Recovery, and Wellness
with Insights from Lived Experience of Suicide
"The Way Forward" Report, generated through two years of dialogue with people who had direct personal experience of suicide (the US national "Suicide Attempt Survivor Taskforce") originated in response to the revised US National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. The Report laid out a values framework, and systematic approach to improving supports and services for people experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings.
The recommendations of the Report clarify directions for change to ensure that interactions and treatment are person positive, compassionate and empowering, and to reduce the possibility that 'help' in times of suicide crisis is experienced more as punishment as opposed to care.
Recommendations from the document describe meaningful changes in several categories in the domains of Practices, Policies and Programs. This triple rubric is the basis for the Activating Hope TA framework, a fully actionable approach that any community crisis center, health authority or organization can use to amplify the value of lived experience. (See Technical Assistance Page.)
ACTIVATING HOPE IS A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT OF:
ACTIVATING HOPE RESOURCES
Activating Hope is building a full-scale resource and technical assistance site for Crisis Centers, Organizations and stakeholders.
STAY TUNED for more resources and connect with us at info@activatinghope.org with thoughts or questions.
For more information about Activating Hope or to request services contact Eduardo Vega, Project Director
“Let difficulty transform you. And it will. In my experience, we just need help in learning how not to run away.” ~Pema Chödrön