Published on:
November 18, 2024
By Kacey Card
Richard Ramsay is a distinguished figure in social services, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to suicide prevention and crisis intervention. With a career spanning over five decades, Ramsay has been a catalyst for change in the field of mental health, influencing practices and policies both in Canada and internationally.
Born and raised in a small Alberta village, Richard embarked on his professional journey after graduating from the University of Alberta in 1962 and McGill University in 1965. His early career with the John Howard Society of Ontario marked the beginning of his commitment to social work, leading to the co-founding of Ottawa’s first telephone distress center. This initial foray into volunteer work set the stage for his lifelong dedication to suicide prevention.
In 1969, Ramsay moved to Edmonton, where he continued his volunteer efforts by helping to establish Edmonton’s first telephone distress center. His academic career began in 1975 at the University of Calgary, where he served as a Professor of Social Work until his retirement in 2004. During this period, he played a pivotal role in developing new methods for crisis intervention and suicide prevention training, shaping the future of social work education and practice.
Richard’s leadership extended beyond academia. In 1991, he co-founded LivingWorks Education Inc., a University of Calgary start-up social enterprise company dedicated to suicide prevention through community development. Under his guidance, LivingWorks became a global leader in suicide prevention training, receiving multiple accolades including Canada’s Social Policy Research Knowledge Broker Award in 2002. The company’s training programs, developed by four volunteers in 1983, exported to California in 1987 and expanded to Australia in 1996, now reach thousands of individuals annually across various countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Norway, Ireland, Singapore, UK and a growing number of Asian countries.
Richard’s contributions to the field are also marked by his involvement with the United Nations. In 1991, LivingWorks was invited by the UN to develop guidelines for national suicide prevention strategies. This led to the publication of a widely disseminated guideline in 1996, acknowledging the broader social dimensions of suicide beyond mental health issues.
Throughout his career, Richard has been a prominent figure in various professional and academic committees. He served as President of the Alberta Association of Social Workers (AASW) from 1974 to 1979 and as Treasurer of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) from 1985 to 1992. His efforts were instrumental in the development of Canada’s first comprehensive code of ethics and the IFSW’s international definition of social work. His work earned him the prestigious appointment to the Golden Jubilee Chair in Social Work by India’s Tata Institute of Social Sciences in 1994 and 1 of 50 selected for an oral history project on leadership experiences in the field of social work in 2024.
Richard’s influence is further reflected in his numerous publications and presentations at international conferences. His work has spanned various areas, including the development of wholistic approaches to suicide prevention and the integration of social work principles with indigenous wisdom. His presentations, such as those at the American Association of Suicidology and Innovate Calgary Symposium, highlight his ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in the field.
In his current role as President Emeritus of LivingWorks Education, Richard continues to inspire and lead with a vision that transcends borders, advocating for suicide prevention and mental health resilience on a global scale. His legacy is a testament to his lifelong dedication to improving lives and fostering a safer, more informed world.
Richard is eager to lend his extensive experience to boards and advisory roles, where his combined policy-level and training leadership can help shape the wholistic integration of mental health and suicide-safer living practices into corporate organizations’ health and safety initiatives.
Character: Richard Ramsay is a pioneering social work leader with a deep commitment to suicide prevention and mental health. His career reflects a dedication to ethical practice, community service, and advancing social welfare through innovative solutions.
Knowledge: Richard has extensive expertise in crisis intervention, program development, and mental health training. His knowledge is enriched by decades of research and practical experience in both national and international settings.
Strategic: Richard’s strategic vision has driven the development and global dissemination of effective suicide prevention programs. His leadership in creating comprehensive frameworks has significantly shaped practices in mental health and crisis management worldwide.
Communication: Richard excels in translating complex concepts into accessible and impactful messages, as demonstrated by his numerous presentations and publications. His ability to engage diverse audiences has facilitated widespread understanding and implementation of crucial social work principles.
