Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 18/00) - Once the foundation is laid, you can start building a sturdy house.

Mental health worker Winnie Bennett is employing the same formula to help address suicide prevention in Rankin Inlet.

A series of four information sessions were broadcast on local radio this past January, and Bennett is hoping another eight programs will build on that success.

"We received a lot of positive response from the community as a result of those January programs," says Bennett.

"This series will feature an extension on some of the topics we covered in January, as well as a number of new topics callers to the original series asked for."

The series will air 8-10 p.m., Thursday evenings, from Oct. 19-Dec. 7.

One aim of the series is to educate the public on available services.

Another goal is to give listeners a better understanding of how the court system works.

Bennett says five suicides in the recent past were committed by people who were waiting to appear in court.

Maggie Amauralik, Nunavut's only victim support assistance worker, will be the guest speaker for the initial airing on Oct. 19.

Lawyer Bonnie Tulloch will address the legal system on the Oct. 26 program, and health-centre worker Nowya Williams will speak on sexual abuse on Nov. 2.

RCMP Const. Ben Williams addresses youth and suicide Nov. 9, and adult group home manager Sheila Milloy discusses aspects of living with disabilities Nov. 30.

Kataujaq Society executive director Evelyn Thordarson will speak on domestic violence during the final episode on Dec. 7.

Featured speakers for the Nov. 16 and 23 segments are to be announced.

Bennett says talking about suicide publicly is a postive step.

"A lot of people have a hard time moving forward after something negatively impacts their lives.

"We're hoping these programs will help us identify steps we can take to help these situations.

"We would welcome any suggestions from the community on how to address these social problems."