It’s important to take time for yourself when things are tough. That’s the message the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre in Grande Prairie wants to spread at its 6th annual self-care event called A New Day.
Program Coordinator Faris Atkinson says this day was designed to help people going through a tough time or dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide.
“It’s an opportunity to be in a safe place with people who have maybe experianced similar challenges in their life, similar losses. If you just need to have some respite from the day where you just can sit and have some me time.”
The drop in style event will offer arts and crafts, different types of massages and food. People from the centre will also be there to offer a listening ear if people need to talk.
Over the past five years, Atkinson says she’s seen anywhere from 12 to 30 people per session. She says results have been positive.
“They make connections with people that are ongoing, they get to do something fun for themselves, they get to interact with other people. Sometimes they’ve just been so busy and just running and running and it’s just nice to have a nice quiet place where they can sit and relax. Every person that has participated in this has had exceptional benefits.”
Atkinson says a day like this is important because it may help prevent future suicides.
“One of the high-risk groups for suicide are people who have lost someone close to them to suicide. So if we can offer some support and some balance and some connection then that’s part of our mandate.”
The event is free and will be held at the SPRC office on the second floor of Nordic Court on May 3rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.