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By Alyssa Rudolph

support group

Turning grief into support: Meadow Lake support group helps those mourning suicide loss

Dec 15, 2025 | 3:18 PM

This article contains discussions about suicide. These topics may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek support from a trusted person or a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger, local emergency services and hotline contacts can be found at the bottom of the article.

As Saskatchewan continues to see alarming rates of suicide, a Meadow Lake community organization is working to provide local support for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

According to the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, 2,218 people in Saskatchewan died by suicide over the last decade. Among those years, 2022 recorded the highest number of cases – 249 in total. This year, 119 have been documented as of October 6.

Suicide statistics from Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

It has been two years since Alicia Lehoux started the Coping with Suicide Loss Support Group. She said previously, participants had to travel to bigger cities to have access to resources.

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“I was traveling to Saskatoon for support and after an appropriate amount of time I thought, this is something that I could help offer in Meadow Lake. So, all our facilitators who are delivering our programming have lived experience,” Lehoux said.

Over the last two years, the support group has evolved to cover the needs of those attending. One element that has been incorporated is an honour system lending library where members can sign out educational reading materials. Colored bracelets have also been introduced to the group.

“We do have a system in place, you can share as little or as much as you like, and there’s different colored bracelets that you can wear when you arrive at group indicating the kind of loss that you have suffered if you choose not to share too much in group,” Lehoux said.

Group organizers have seen a positive impact over the past couple of years. They said participants have shown an increase in mood and willingness to communicate their personal stories.

“There’s so much stigma still around suicide. There’s a lot of shame. There’s a lot of secrets. We’re trying to change that and change the narrative and really let people know that there is support,” Lehoux said.

Everyone experiencing loss due to suicide is welcome to attend the group. However, Lehoux recommends participants remain 18 years and older as the group discusses topics which are not appropriate for children. Additionally, newcomers are reminded that information shared in the session should never leave the group, but confidentiality is not guaranteed.

“I know that it can feel like a really scary place. It is a safe place, a welcome place. Everyone is welcome,” she said.

The suicide loss support group meets once a month in Meadow Lake. Contact Positively Parenting for information on attending.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help by calling Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566, Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 or BATC Youth Helpline at 306-310-3310.

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com