In 1999, Grande Prairie & Area Safe Communities, PACE/Suicide Prevention Resource Centre (SPRC) partnered to begin the Men’s Suicide Project to address the issue of suicide in adult males working in trades, industry and agriculture in the Peace Country Region (Alberta). This target group was identified based on data that showed males in the occupation group were highly represented in the statistics on suicide death over a 10 year period (1987-1997)

The information is also directed to those who interact with the target groups such as spouses, family, friends, co-workers, etc.

The Men’s Suicide Project had support of key partners within the Health Region in Alberta. An Intersectoral Advisory Committee was formed including male representatives from trades, industry, and agricultural sectors. Volunteer facilitators, who have lived experience of stress, depression suicide loss and/or other mental health problems we recruited, trained, and supported to become an integral component in the delivery of the program. 

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In 1999, the Men At Risk program began development under the administrative umbrella of the Grande Prairie and Area Safe Communities Alliance. It was one of the first injury prevention projects that the Safe Communities group launched to address the impact of suicidal behaviour and death by suicide in the Peace Region

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Shortly after the development of the Men At Risk program the administration was shifted to PACE/Suicide Prevention Resource Centre. Administration of the Men At Risk program continues to reside with the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre, which holds a copyright on the materials.

The Men At Risk program was initially replicated in 2006, within Alberta, putting into place a mentoring process, standardized materials and evaluations to ensure the success of the expansion. This was accomplished with the financial support of Alberta health Services (formerly the Alberta Mental Health Board)

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In 2008, a formal, independent evaluation, including a literature review, of the Men At Risk program was completed by Meyers Norris Penny LLP.

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In 2016, the Men At Risk program was renamed Tough Enough To Talk About It.  After consistent feedback from both participant evaluations, participants, volunteer facilitators and the Advisory Committee, it was noted the limitations of Men At Risk regarding the substantial increase in females employed in the trades, industry and agriculture sector.

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In 2020, Tough Enough To Talk About It recognized a global demand for virtual (online) workplace presentations and seminars. As a result of global changes and this demand, a comprehensive virtual component was designed, tested and launched.

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As the Tough Enough To Talk About It program continues to grow, the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention, will lead in program and material development, social marketing strategies, mentoring of program volunteers, as well as the ongoing management of the Field Trainer training.