Join us for Donuts & Conversations on World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicidal thoughts are more common than many of us realize, but shame, fear and stigma can make them incredibly difficult to talk about.

There is no single story behind suicidal thoughts, and community stories are not being shared to provide simple answers or tell anyone how to heal. By hearing different perspectives, we hope to increase understanding, reduce shame and make it easier for people who are struggling to feel seen and less alone.

After the stories, gentle prompts will guide conversations at each table. You may share your own experience, talk about supporting someone else, listen quietly or pass. There is no expectation to disclose personal information. Listening is always a valid way to participate.

Together, we’ll also create jars filled with messages of support and words you can return to when things feel heavy. You’ll be able to write messages for yourself, choose from messages prepared by others and contribute words of care for someone else.

At the end of the evening, each participant will leave with a comfort tote filled with small items intended to offer grounding, care or support during hard times. Items for the totes will be donated by local community members, leaders, organizations and businesses as a tangible reminder that people in this community care.

This gathering is for:

• People who currently experience or have previously experienced suicidal thoughts
• People supporting a friend, family member, partner or young person
• People affected by another person’s suicidal thoughts or suicide attempt
• People who want to better understand how to listen and offer support
• Anyone who wants to be part of a community where honest conversations about suicidal thoughts are allowed

This is not a therapy session or crisis service. It is a facilitated community gathering. Trained community peer-support people will be available during the event, and additional support resources will be shared.

The eventing will include:

• Short lived-experience stories
• Gentle table prompts and facilitated conversations
• Donuts and time to connect with people at your table 
• Creating a jar filled with messages of support
• Writing supportive messages for yourself and others
• Choosing donated comfort and grounding items to take home and use during hard times
• Community and crisis-support resources

What you need to know:

Parking: by the river or in the paid public parking across the street from the building.

Venue Accessibility: venue is wheelchair accessible

Bathrooms: bathrooms are gendered, however their will be a sign designating one bathroom for all genders.

Seating Options: Chairs will be available for all participants. You are welcome to stand, sit, or move around as needed. If you prefer to sit closer to the front or need a specific seating arrangement, please let us know in advance or speak to a volunteer upon arrival.

Flooring: The room itself is free of tripping hazards, and walkways will be kept clear.

Scents: This event is not officially scent-free, but we kindly ask participants to avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products to make the space more comfortable for those with scent sensitivities.

Lighting & Visibility: There will be no flashing lights or sudden visual effects. If you need to sit closer for better visibility, you are welcome to do so.

Acoustics: The facilitator will use a microphone to ensure everyone can hear comfortably.

Language & Communication: The presentation and sharing will be in english. If you need interpretation or any other communications needs, please email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com

Food & Drinks: Frankie D’s Donuts will be provided. Frankie D’s Donuts may contain trace allergens due to shared kitchen facilities. They are made in a facility where nuts are present. Ingredients in the Donuts include flour, salt, milk, butter, eggs, yeast, sugar, and other possible trace allergens. Additionally, Frankie D’s glazes contain a variety of ingredients. If you have an allergy, please inquire before consuming.

We will have some GF and Vegan Donuts available. These products are sourced from external suppliers, and we cannot oversee every ingredient or allergen present in these products. They may contain nuts and other trace allergens.

Contact Us
For questions or accommodations, email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com (at least 72 hours before the event).

Event Feedback
We value your feedback! You can share it through a feedback form at the event, or email us afterward at hello@frankiedsdonuts.com.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors: Banff Public Library, Community Helpers Banff, Banff Canmore Foundation and the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation