The Suicide Prevention Resource Centre in Grande Prairie is hoping to continue the conversation about suicide and mental illness with its 7th annual From Darkness to Light walk on September 7th.
“It’s basically a way to help people understand that they are not alone. You’re not alone in your grief, you’re not alone in your journey, you’re not alone if you’re living with mental illness… There are so many people out there that have walked a similar path or are walking it,” says SPRC Program Coordinator Faris Atkinson.
The walk is taking place as part of World Suicide Prevention Day which is recognized on September 10th each year. People will be walking as the sun rises for loved ones they’ve lost or who are struggling with mental illness. Atkinson is hoping that this event can be a safe place for people to share their stories and make connections.
“It’s okay to say I have a mental illness and I’m still capable of impacting my world in positive ways and making a difference. I may not be able to make a huge impact all by myself but when I’m with a group of people that are like-minded, anything can happen.”
Registration for the walk starts at Centre 2000 at 6:00 a.m. with the walk starting at 7 a.m. followed by a pancake breakfast.
Atkinson adds that people who may be dealing with mental illness should take advantage of the resources out there including the centre’s mental health helpline, which can be reached at 1877-303-2642.