Seacoast Spotlight Series: Connor’s Climb Foundation

Piscataqua Savings Bank is the proud supporter of over 100 Seacoast area nonprofits. We’re highlighting a few of the nonprofits doing incredible, critical work in our Seacoast community with our Seacoast Spotlight Series. Next up in our spotlight is Connor’s Climb Foundation.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reduce stigma, open conversations, and shine a light on the mental health needs of our communities. For many students and families across New Hampshire, one name stands out in this movement: Connor’s Climb Foundation. Based in Exeter, this nonprofit has been at the forefront of youth suicide prevention and mental health education since 2011, and its mission is more relevant than ever.

Connor’s Climb was founded in honor of Connor Ball, a beloved teenager who died by suicide in 2011. His passing left his family, friends, and community devastated, and determined to make a difference. From that grief grew action. The foundation was created not only to honor Connor’s memory but to prevent similar tragedies from occurring by equipping young people and the adults in their lives with the knowledge, tools, and support they need.

Education at the Core

Connor’s Climb Foundation is grounded in the belief that suicide prevention starts with education. Their mission is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip youth, educators, and the broader community with the tools and resources they need to support the mental health of 10- to 24-year-olds across New Hampshire and neighboring areas.

To achieve this, Connor’s Climb offers a range of evidence-based trainings for school staff, community leaders, and trusted adults. Their certified suicide prevention educators lead SOS Implementer Trainings, which walk participants through the SOS Signs of Suicide program, including materials, planning, and best practices for successful implementation.

The foundation also offers Training Trusted Adults seminars, which focus on how to recognize and respond to warning signs of suicide, and how to build trusting relationships with young people. Additional community trainings are available for families, caregivers, coaches, health professionals, and even military personnel – each tailored to help adults better support the youth in their lives.

For school staff, Connor’s Climb goes beyond the basics with workshops on important topics like school connectedness, LGBTQ+ youth, bullying, and suicide prevention at the elementary level.

Since 2014, Connor’s Climb has also been a driving force behind legislative change in New Hampshire. Their advocacy helped lead to the passage of RSA 193-J in 2019, requiring suicide prevention education for school staff and middle and high school students every year, making mental health education a legal and lasting part of the school system.

More Than Prevention: A Community in Action

Connor’s Climb doesn’t just operate in classrooms, it thrives in the community. The foundation hosts annual events like the Connor’s Climb 5K & Family Walk, which brings people together to raise awareness, honor loved ones, and support suicide prevention efforts statewide. These events serve as a powerful reminder that no one walks this path alone.

In addition to community events, Connor’s Climb offers a wealth of resources on their website to further their mission. From training programs for school staff, athletic coaches, and peer leaders to resources for parents and families, their site is a comprehensive hub for mental health and suicide prevention. They also assist schools in implementing whole-community approaches to youth mental health, ensuring that every layer of support is in place for young people.

The foundation is committed to breaking the silence surrounding mental health, especially among teens. Their outreach efforts focus on normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, ensuring young people know that they are never alone. On the website, you’ll find information on how to recognize the signs of distress, as well as direct links to resources for immediate help. 

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May, is a national movement that began in 1949. It’s a time to elevate conversations around mental wellness, reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental illness, and promote access to care. From community events like the Stick It To Stigma Sports Games to school-based programs and social media outreach, the foundation brings attention to mental health and the importance of suicide prevention.

This May, we encourage everyone – students, parents, educators, and community members – to check in with one another, learn the warning signs of suicide risk, and advocate for open, honest conversations. Mental health is just as vital as physical health, and each of us has a role to play in creating safer, more compassionate communities.

How You Can Support the Climb

There are many ways to support Connor’s Climb Foundation, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month. You can:

• Donate or sponsor to help support their mission. 
• Attend or volunteer at local trainings and events. 
• Advocate for mental health education in your local school district. 
• Talk openly with the young people in your life about mental health. 
• Follow and share the foundation’s resources on social media. 

Mental health challenges don’t discriminate – they can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. But with education, connection, and community support, suicide is preventable.

This May, let’s honor the mission of Connor’s Climb Foundation by breaking the silence, showing up for one another, and working toward a future where every student knows they are seen, heard, and deeply valued.