June marks “Buddy Up” month

June is officially Buddy Up month, a time dedicated to emphasizing the importance of friendship and community.

This annual event encourages people to connect with friends, family, and colleagues, fostering a sense of togetherness and support.

A key component of the campaign is that it’s a men’s suicide prevention initiative — led by the Centre for Suicide Prevention. This campaign is a call to action for men, by men, to drive authentic conversations among men and their buddies. By participating in the campaign year-round, men can engage in activities that promote connection and wellbeing, contributing to suicide prevention efforts.

The Buddy Up campaign highlights the positive impact of strong social connections on mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that having a reliable support network can reduce stress, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life.

A key component of the campaign is that it’s a men’s suicide prevention initiative. This campaign is a call to action for men, by men, to drive authentic conversations among men and their buddies. By participating in the campaign year-round, men can engage in activities that promote connection and wellbeing, contributing to suicide prevention efforts.

As a part of the month-long feature, participants can join a “challenge,” where individuals are encouraged to complete different tasks with a buddy. The completion card can be found here.

For more information on Buddy Up, and how you can help raise awareness around men’s suicide and how it is preventable, visit buddyup.ca.

If you know someone who is thinking about suicide, or if you’re thinking about suicide, call your local crisis line. In Canada, call 1-833-456-4566.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.