Suicide Prevention Awareness & Growth of CT Youth Employment

September 10, 2024

It is Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, and we must break the silence and fight for meaningful change. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for mental health resources and support for those in need. Please look at the resources below If you or a loved one is struggling. We are here to help.

An excellent youth employment program is expanding across the state! Keep scrolling to learn how a new investment in our kids will provide them with opportunities to find a career path.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Suicide Prevention Awareness Week
  • Growth of CT Youth Employment Program
  • Remembering 9/11
 
Suicide Prevention Awareness Week
It’s National Suicide Prevention Week, and we’re all on a mission to eliminate barriers in crisis care access. All of us can help reduce the risk for suicide by knowing the signs and reaching out in our community.

Talking to a loved one about getting help is hard, but it can make a big difference. Listen without judgment and speak with kindness. Remember that it takes a lot of strength for someone to open up about the challenges they face. It may take many conversations before they seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online. Your conversations are free and confidential.
Click here for immediate help

Friends and loved ones can also play a tremendous role by offering help:

Ask open ended questions
Open-ended questions seek answers beyond “yes” or “no” and usually start with "how," "what," or "where."

Be supportive
During your conversation, comment on their strengths. It can be easy to tell them all the things they’re doing wrong, but it can close them off to asking for help. Thank them for being willing to speak with you.

Show you're listening
Listen carefully to what they’re saying. When it’s your turn to talk, repeat back what you heard them say. This helps them to feel understood and corrects any misunderstandings. You can do this by saying, “I heard you say ____."

Bring it all together
These conversations can be about many different feelings and plans. At the end of your talk, give a summary of what you heard them say and any actions they want to take. If they want to get help, ask how you can support them. Also, follow up with them to check in.
CLICK HERE for more local resources. Remember, we can all work together to bring about positive change in our community.
 
Growth of CT Youth Employment Program
I’m happy to share the Connecticut Youth Employment Program is growing exponentially. Governor Ned Lamont is doubling funding from $5 million to $10 million.

The Connecticut Youth Employment Program helps young people, from 14-24 years of age, explore careers and bring them into the job market. They have an opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals who help them build career networks. Participants also receive job training and experience, all while earning a paycheck.

Capitol Workforce Partners helps young people in Hartford and West Hartford explore their interests and develop workplace skills. CLICK HERE to complete an Interest Form.
Click here for more information on the program
 
Remembering 9/11
This upcoming September 11th, will mark 23 years since the tragic events that forever impacted our nation and the world. Each year, we pause to honor the memory of those we lost that dreadful day and reflect on the resilience, courage and unity that define us in the face of tragedy. We remember the heroes, first responders, everyday citizens, and all who risked their lives to save others.