The Suicide Safer Network will once again host an event in Bell Park to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
The family friendly memorial event is slated for Sept. 10 at the Elizabeth Street Gazebo in Bell Park from 1-4 p.m.
“Many people don’t realize the magnitude of the impact that suicide has on a community,” said Mark Fraser, executive director at Compass, which is part of the Safer Suicide Network. “This day is about bringing awareness through a lens of prevention, as well as providing a moment of healing and support for those who have been impacted by suicide.”
The network said about 11 people die by suicide in Canada each day, and for every death by suicide, at least 7 to 10 survivors are significantly affected by the loss.
Suicide Safer Network’s goal for the Sept. 10 event is for community members to have “the opportunity to learn, heal and memorialize in a welcoming setting.”
The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is “creating hope through action.”
Organizers said the event is family friendly so children are welcome to attend with their parents. Activities will include rock painting with messages of hope, a resource fair of local mental health and addiction services, yoga, and more.
An opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services staff will lead an opening prayer and song. Deputy Mayor Al Sizer will read a message from the city, and a series of speakers on counselling, grief and lived experience. The event will end with a closing ceremony.
