ʔaq̓am and the Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays (CMHA) will host a public Suicide Awareness Walk over the weekend in Cranbrook.
The second annual event will happen on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., aiming to bring awareness to mental health.
“Some people would rather suffer in silence rather than reach out for help because of the stigma that comes along with mental illness,” said Autumn Patrick, Life Skills Worker with ʔaq̓am Health and Wellness.
“We’re hoping to bring awareness to the community that mental health matters and there are resources out there.”
There will be information booths and support services on-site to educate people and connect them if they need help.
“Even though it may not solve all of their problems, utilizing these resources is a start to a support plan and it can create a little bit of hope,” said Patrick.
“Coming together as a community will help us reduce the stigma around mental health, and create an environment where people feel safe when they seek help for suicidal ideation.”
Patrick says this walk is important on a personal level, as she knew two teenagers who took their own lives.
“Suicidal ideation or suicide can affect anyone at any time. There is no age limit,”
“My hope is that we can be proactive and help reduce those statistics, especially among Indigenous communities, as they have higher rates of suicide.”
The event will be held at the College of the Rockies track field and feature information booths, guest speakers, activities, music, a BBQ, face painting, door prizes and a bouncy castle.
Attendees can walk around the track in honour of loved ones while raising awareness about suicide.
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