YU Are Not Alone - Well-being

No one should face life's challenges alone

It's important to know that what you're experiencing matters and that the York community is here to support you. Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility.

York's YU Are Not Alone campaign reflects our ongoing commitment to building a culture of care across our campuses. Through compassion, meaningful conversations and action, each of us play an important role in creating a community where every person feels seen, supported and empowered to seek help.

Quick Links

Small steps can make a difference

Together we can foster an environment where reaching out for help is met with understanding and where everyone feels empowered to seek the care they need.

Check in

Reach out

Find support

Certificate training programs

LivingWorks provides suicide prevention training that builds skills in recognizing and responding to suicide risk. Its programs support different levels of learning, from awareness to intervention and safety planning. Find out how to register for a suicide prevention training program below.

The image outlines the LivingWorks integrated suicide prevention training pathway, scaling from foundational awareness to comprehensive intervention across tiered programs like Start, safeTALK, and ASIST.

Our Health Education & Promotion team offers certificate and training programs to help students take charge of your own health and well-being, including suicide prevention.

LivingWorks Start is an online, skills-based suicide prevention training program. The program helps participants learn valuable skills to have life-saving conversations with people who may be thinking of suicide.

To register: visit LivingWorks Start website.

SafeTALK is a half-day in-person suicide alertness training program. Through interactive activities and practical learning, participants gain the confidence to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and connect them with lifesaving support.

To register:

Student leader groups can email tranta@yorku.ca for more information.

Staff, faculty and instructors can register through YU Learn.

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a two-day, in-person workshop. Participants develop the skills and confidence to provide suicide first aid, develop a safety plan and support someone at risk until further help is available.

To register: email tranta@yorku.ca for more information.

Self-screen for potential risk

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, this confidential checklist can help you better understand what you may be experiencing and screen for possible risk. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a professional assessment.

Download the Columbia Suicide Risk Self-Screener Tool (.pdf)

Need help now?

If you need support right away, our Well-being website lists resources, next steps and contact information of local services for immediate help.

Find help and support

YU Are Not Alone x World Suicide Prevention Day

YU Are Not Alone was introduced to the York community on World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 where we marked the launch of the initiative, highlighted training opportunities and connected students with campus and community supports.

Attendees heard an inspiring keynote from one of Canada's most recognized mental health advocates and bestselling authors and speakers Mark Henick, who shared his lived experience and the importance of hope, connection and belonging. Mark's book, So-Called Normal: A Memoir of Family Depression and Resilience is available in paperback, audible and kindle formats. Alongside his memoir, Mark has also released a discussion guide for book clubs and reading groups and a university-level curriculum which is free to adapt for educational use.