SurvivAbility

SurvivAbility is a one-of-a-kind peer-based program, conceived by young people for young people struggling as survivors of an attempted or completed suicide. The program is a support network that guides teens through what can be a confusing maze of anger, isolation and guilt following the completed suicide of a friend, relative or loved one.

There are three components of the program. “One-2-One” pairs youth survivors with KUTO volunteers who are available to talk and share their experiences of loss. Two activity-based workshops, “The Basics 101” and “In the Aftermath,” help survivors recognize their personal resources, coping skills and abilities to begin their healing process.

Youth participating in SurvivAbility will realize positive and effective coping mechanisms to manage stress and depression following a loss to suicide. Survivors will also learn to recognize personal resources, strengths and abilities, enabling them to begin the healing process. These skills will assist students in recognizing suicidal behaviors in others, learn preventative strategies, and have the confidence and knowledge to effectively intervene in a potential crisis situation.

For information about volunteering as a youth SurvivAbility One-2-One facilitator, send us an email.

What is a survivor of suicide?

A survivor of suicide is a friend of someone, or knows someone, who ended his or her life by suicide. Survivors of suicide can be family members, classmates, friends, teachers or any other person who knew the deceased person, also known as a suicide “completer.” An “attempter” is an individual who has made an attempt to kill themselves, however their plan or actions did not result in death.

The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that every suicide intimately affects at least six other people, usually the family and closest friends of the young person who completed suicide. This number grows dramatically when classmates, team members, neighbors, and extended family – aunts, uncles, cousins and the like – are included.

To learn more about survivors of suicide, visit our Resources area.