Photo provided by Walk for Wellness and Suicide Prevention event attendees.
Lacombe's 13th annual Walk for Wellness and Suicide Prevention is shining a light on the importance of mental health.
“Our goal is to inspire, inform, and support anyone who is living with mental health issues or has lost someone to suicide,” said Heather Jackson, Walk for Wellness and Suicide Prevention Event Coordinator.
Jackson explained that she was inspired to bring a Walk for Wellness and Suicide Prevention event to Lacombe after she was personally affected by suicide.
When she attended a similar event in Edmonton, she came together with Central Albertans who set out to construct their own version of the event.
“By our loss, we learned how many people are affected, that don't talk about it. Suicide is something that people don't generally like to talk about,” Jackson said. “It's uncomfortable, but it's important that these conversations happen. “It’s about bringing comfort, conversation and education to the community.”
During the event, attendees can expect speakers, mental health and support resources, and a silent auction, followed by a walk around Cranna Lake.
Photo provided by Walk for Wellness and Suicide Prevention attendees.
“The walk portion is a healing part of the event and also to bring awareness to the community,” Jackson said. “We encourage everyone to wear a white shirt to unify us all and make us stand out as we walk through the community.”
Event organizers first introduced the silent auction in 2020, with the proceeds going towards local mental health initiatives.
Last year, organizers partnered with Anam Rural Youth Association of Blackfalds, a not-for-profit that offers mobile, one-on-one, trauma-integrated, crisis intervention, psychological first aid approach support services to at-risk youth and young adults in Central Alberta.
“Traditional settings don't always work for everyone,” Jackson said. “This method is a much-needed option. Going to a person in need is like saying, ‘We see you and we're coming to you because you're important.’”
The proceeds raised from the silent auction and donations will be allocated to Anam Rural Youth Association services.
“The money goes a long way to helping the youth in the community,” Jackson said.
Central Albertans can get involved in the event by attending, donating, or bidding on a silent auction item.
The event is today (Sept. 8) at 2 p.m. at the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre, followed by the walk around Cranna Lake.
Jackson encourages anyone participating in the walk portion of the event to wear a white shirt.
Those who are suffering with their mental health can call the Mental Health Help Line, at 1-877-303-2642 for help.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text the Suicide Crisis Help Line at 9-8-8.