September 10th was the annual World Suicide Prevention Day and it was spotlighted at the Kitchener Public Library. https://www.kpl.org
The Kitchener Public Library hosted various events and had many organizations from the community attend to provide awareness and services for mental illness.
They also had staff from the library giving tours and educating people on the many services that the library offers free of cost that can enhance your daily life.
There were also many books on display that can assist, support, comfort and be a form of a guide for someone in need of counselling through literature.
Refreshments and food were in abundance for free. There was a B.B.Q that even provided vegetarian options. Donations to the cause were optional.
Many organizations, businesses and people from many sectors of the community came out to contribute. These are only some that I managed to engage with.
*Our member of Parliament, Mike Morrice brought all his support and attention. His platform focuses on mental health affordable housing, climate crisis and more. https://mikemorricemp.ca/
*Canadian Mental Health Association delivered a very powerful message with their presence and educational materials. "Suicide is not about wanting to die." It is about struggling to live".
This organization offers 24 hours, seven days a week assistance to anyone who needs it. Please call 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247). https://cmhaww.ca
They also offer daily scheduled support groups each month that anyone can attend for coping, lessons, or just to help others.
*Self Help Alliance: Support through peer alliances and groups that support others based on personal experience and journey. https://cmhawwselfhelp.ca
*Qualia: "Every Child Matters," is their slogan. They specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy that provides coaching, training and various services to assist you. https://qualiacounselling.com
*Front Door: Specializing in youth and child mental health issues. Various counselling services are provided. To book an appointment call; (519)749-2932. https://www.frontdoormentalhealth.com
*Waterloo Suicide Prevention Council: They help people by promoting positive messages, training, education and utilizing prevention techniques. https://wrspc.ca
*Grand River Hospital: Running various programs, especially art, that revolve around stigma and it's made by patients. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca
*Centre For Suicide Prevention: They support the "Buddy Up". Having someone that you can call to support you makes a difference. https://www.buddyup.ca
*Ray Of Hope: Providing daily meals, food bank, various services for basic daily needs and training for job placement. https://www.rayofhope.net
*YMCA: An organization that is dedicated faithfully to the growth of the community. Many programs are available for all ages and groups in the Kitchener and the Waterloo Region.
There are services available for immigrants such as; community connections, school settlement, language assessment and community settlement. https://www.ymcacambridgekw.ca/en/index.asp
*Elder Meditation Service: Please call (519) 744-6549 EXT 265. This organization provides healing meditational alternatives for the elderly that can help them deal with stress in daily life.
*KW Counselling: For confidential service and assistance, please (519)884-0000. It's covered under insurance if you have it. https://www.kwcounselling.com
No one is turned away if they don't have coverage. Options are made available. They will work with you if you want to help yourself.
*Thresholds / Homes and Support: Helping people struggling with mental illness and substance abuse. Aiming to secure individuals with gainful opportunities, and connect with family or loved ones.
One of their aims is to break the cycle of poverty. https://www.thresholds.org
Mental illness is a part of our everyday life. It can be you struggling to just make it on a day-by-day basis. You can also be helping a friend, family member or someone that we just care about.
No one escapes mental illness. It affects us all. One way or another. Let's help each other in any way that we can.
Being at this event was therapeutic, rewarding and healing. It was the perfect day for me. Thank you Kitchener Public Library and everyone that made this event a great success.
Ribbon pins of yellow and orange were given to represent the occasion. There was also a white candle with an orange and yellow ribbon that was handed out at the end of the event. This candle was to be burned at eight o'clock on Saturday night on September 10th to commemorate the event, to remember victims of suicide and focus on how we can be a part of the change for mental health.
You can also decide to burn a white candle whenever you want, just remember victims of mental illness or just celebrate the present moment that you are alive and well.
Wishing the whole world, good mental health.
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