The Town of Strathmore, in partnership with Strathmore Family Community Support Services, and the Strathmore Child, Youth, and Family hub held a candlelight vigil. 

The vigil was held in support of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The event helped to show the importance of recognizing those who have survived suicide, and those who have lost others to suicide. 

“I think it is important to talk about mental health, what they are feeling, and how they manage those types of things,” explained Aia Hughes, Program Supervisor for the Strathmore Child, Youth, and Family Hub. 

The vigil had two speakers, one from the Canadian Mental Health Association, and a counselor from Oasis Care. During the vigil, support was available to those attending. Candles were lit in honour of those who were lost to suicide. 

This is the first year that a candlelight vigil has been held in Strathmore in support of World Suicide Prevention Day, “we would like to continue the conversation, and hold it on an annual basis,” explained Hughes. 

A suicide and bereavement group is available to those who want it. The support group is held every Monday until November 4, with no session on October 14. The sessions are held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Strathmore Civic Centre. RSVP by either emailing counsellingintake@cmha.calgary.ab.ca, or call 403-297-1708.

If individuals are in need of immediate support they can call the Calgary Distress Centre at 403-266-4357, or the Canadian Mental Health Association Suicide Helpline at 1-888-787-2880.