By Valerie Winger
For Belinda Sieker and her daughters, the work of supporting first responders through mental health challenges is deeply personal.
Eight years ago, they lost a son and brother, Dustin, to suicide. The loss inspired Belinda to push for greater awareness and better access to mental health support for those who dedicate their careers to helping others.
Dustin worked for Alberta Health Services for 15 years as a first responder. According to Belinda, he did not have access to the mental health support he needed.
Following his death, she recognized a need for greater awareness and more accessible support for people working in emergency services.
In 2019, Belinda helped establish Talk To Me Society, with a focus on mental health awareness, particularly among men and first responders who may struggle to reach out for help.
First responders, including paramedics, police, frontline workers and firefighters, can be exposed to traumatic situations through their work. Belinda believes stronger mental health programs and supports are needed within emergency services.
Belinda would like to see mandatory mental health programs and greater access to resources for first responders. Support can differ between professions, and she believes paramedics in particular need more attention when it comes to mental health services.
The society also recognizes the importance of mental health education in schools and encouraging young people to speak up and seek help when they are struggling.
Fundraising allows Talk To Me Society to support programs working in the mental health field. Its annual events include a fun run held during the first weekend in May and a golf tournament during the second week of September, both supported by volunteers.
At its peak, the fun run attracted about 600 registered participants. Participation declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and was later affected when a forest fire impacted trails at the Nordic Ski Hill where the event was held. The society hopes to build participation back up for its 2027 events.
Last week, Talk To Me Society distributed the remaining proceeds raised through its fun run and golf tournament, donating $23,000 to local mental health programs and initiatives.
Recipients included the EMS Foundation, Suicide Prevention’s Tough Enough to Talk About It, The Men’s Shed, You Be Youth and youth mental health with Alberta Health Services. Funding also went toward scholarships the society holds with the Northwestern Alberta Foundation.
The society’s work with the Northwestern Alberta Foundation also includes the Talk to Me First Responder Fund, which supports mental health initiatives, training and professional development for first responders across Northwestern Alberta. Those eligible include police, EMS, firefighters and search and rescue personnel, both volunteer and professional.
The society also supports the Dustin Sieker Legacy Fund, which provides a scholarship for advanced paramedics.
The First Responder Fund has supported Camp F.I.R.E., which stands for Fostering Independence, Resilience and Empowerment. The three-day program introduces young women between the ages of 16 and 20 to careers in the fire service at no cost to participants.
Since it was established, Talk To Me Society has donated $130,000 to mental health programs and organizations.
The society credits the community’s support and generosity with making those contributions possible and hopes to continue increasing the amount it can give back.
For Belinda, the work is a way to turn a devastating personal loss into an opportunity to help others. Through awareness, fundraising and support for mental health programs, she hopes more people will feel comfortable speaking up when they need help.
For more information about Talk To Me Society, email talktomesociety@gmail.com or visit the Talk To Me Society page on Facebook.
Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide can call or text 9-8-8, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, 24 hours a day.
Albertans looking for mental health and other community supports can also call 2-1-1, a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to connect people with programs and resources in their community.
