World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10, with the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. The goal of changing the narrative is systemic change, shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

Canada’s youth suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world and it’s the second leading cause of death for those aged 15-34. The 2023 Ontario Incidence Study found that of all substantiated investigations in Ontario, 26% of cases involved concerns about a child or youth’s depression or anxiety, self-harming behaviour, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts.

Increasing numbers of young people and their families are being referred to CAS for assistance with mental health concerns. Recognizing this critical need, Peel CAS has developed a Mental Health Strategy to help equip our workers and foster caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to provide effective services for youth in crisis. So far more than 150 staff members have received specialized training to support vulnerable young people, while being inclusive of their culture and social identity.

Peel CAS is proud to partner with many local community service organizations to provide mental health services to the children, youth and families we work with. We were honoured to be selected as the lead agency for Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO)’s new Brampton location. As we look forward to the centre opening at Century Gardens Recreation Centre in 2026, we have launched a satellite location on the lower level of our building at 25 Capston Drive. YWHO Brampton offers a range of programming and activities, including mental health support, for all youth in the community ages 12-25. All youth in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon can stop by to access free programs, Monday to Friday 1pm-7pm. Learn more about YWHO Brampton.

We are proud to be a part of Youth Suicide Prevention Peel (YSPP) which is a collaborative committee of local service agencies committed to supporting and promoting child and youth suicide prevention in Peel. We are very fortunate to work together with a network of professionals in Peel who are doing amazing work, in law enforcement, in government, and in the community, directly supporting the mental health and wellness of children, youth and families.

Peel CAS is here to help children, youth and families who are experiencing mental health challenges. If you are concerned about the safety or well-being of a child or youth under the age of 18, please call us at 905-363-6131.

If you are thinking about suicide, or you are concerned about someone you know, please call or text the national Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 for immediate support 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 

Media:

Peel CAS is being featured on several media outlets to talk about our Suicide Prevention work! Links will be added below as they become available:

Changing the narrative on World Suicide Prevention Day - Interview with Mary Beth Moellenkamp and Kiara Stoner (former child in care) on CP24, September 10, 2025

Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CEO of Peel Region Children’s Aid Society talks with @MooreintheAM on changing the narrative on this Suicide Prevention Day - Interview with Beth, NewsTalk1010, September 10, 2025

Peel CAS Urges Community to “Start the Conversation” This Suicide Prevention Month - Just Sayin' Caledon, September 10, 2025

Peel Children’s Aid Society is calling to Change the Narrative and Start the Conversation this Suicide Prevention Month - Caledon Citizen, September 18, 2025

Peel CAS joins Suicide Prevention Month awareness campaign - Brampton Guardian, September 20, 2025