Friends and family training for those at risk of suicide
Official title: A Pilot Feasibility Study of the Friends/Family of Individuals at Risk of Suicide Training Program
Run by Unity Health Toronto · NCT07902089 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A six-week program tests whether training for caregivers can help them support a loved one at risk of suicide while also taking care of their own mental health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Unity Health Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07902089 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults (19+) who identify as a friend or family member of someone at risk of suicide and can participate in English, with access to a device and internet for virtual participation or being able to attend in Toronto for in-person sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants who do not experience improvements in coping or communication or who have barriers to engaging in group sessions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The FIRST program is a six-week, caregiver-focused training delivered in 90-minute sessions that aims to improve communication, emotional regulation, navigation of the health-care system, self-care, and boundary setting for friends and family of individuals at risk of suicide. It is available both online and in-person in Toronto, with a virtual national option for participants across Canada. Each session is led by a clinician and a peer facilitator with lived experience. The study targets FF-STB (friends/family of someone at risk of suicide) and seeks to enhance caregiver well-being and support capabilities within a structured group format.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced caregiver distress and improved ability to support their loved one and manage healthcare interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests caregiver-focused training can improve caregiver skills and well-being, though this specific FIRST program approach for FF-STB is novel in its combination of skill-building and peer facilitation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 19 years or older 2. In-person (Toronto) and Virtual (Toronto) group: live in the Greater Toronto Area 3. Virtual (National) group: live in Canada 4. Able to communicate in English 5. Self-identify as FF-STB 6. For participants completing the study virtually: Access to a computer, tablet, or mobile phone with a camera and Internet access Exclusion Criteria: impairment that would limit understanding of the FIRST Program (e.g., under the influence of substances or alcohol during FIRST sessions, cognitive impairment, active psychosis).
Where it's running
-
Unity Health Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elise Jackson
- Email: elise.jackson@unityhealth.to
- Phone: 416-360-4000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.