Introducing agriculture’s Buddy Up persona

We’ve given our buddies help with processing cattle, or picked up parts for them because we were in town anyway, but how often do we take the time to ask how they’re really doing?

Last year the Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSP) added a character to their ever-growing list of personas.

This is Clay.

Here’s how you can help someone like Clay:

• Pay attention – Watch for signs that your buddy may not be doing well. 
• Start a conversation – In a comfortable setting, mention what you’ve noticed.
• Keep it going – Ask questions and listen to what your buddy says.
• Stick to your role – Encourage your buddy to reach out to others, call Canada Suicide Prevention Service together, or phone 911. And after the talk, check in often.  

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

You can also hear more about Buddy Up in our June episode of The Bovine, with CSP’s External Relations Director Akash Asif.

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.

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This article was first published in Volume 2 Issue 2 of ABP Magazine (April 2022). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.