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World Suicide Prevention Day
On September 10th, in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, Distress Centre Niagara held their 18th Annual Suicide Awareness Walk. The event included local dignitaries and guest speakers, a candlelit memorial, a walk in the downtown core of St. Catharines, music and meditation and an opportunity for local agencies and services to spotlight the resources they provide to the Niagara Community.
Words Matter
As we evolve in terms of suicide prevention in Canada, so does our understanding of the impact of suicide on individuals, groups and communities. Vocabulary and how to talk about suicide is important. Engage in dialogue with compassion and curiosity that can promote compassion and connection. Suicide prevention is everyone's business.
September was Recovery Month!
Recovery month aims to share positive stories and spread the message that people recover, treatment works, and stigma needs to be challenged. Let's talk more about recovery and addiction, tear down stigmas, and embrace every journey. Remember, recovery is different for everyone and can take many paths.
Celebrating Peer Support
Peer Support Celebration Day occurs annually on the third Thursday in October. Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through that similar experience and is trained to support others. They impact the lives of countless adults, children, adolescents, and families and they are a shining example of recovery in the places where these services are delivered.
Memorial Forest Vigil 2023
Every October, a Memorial Forest Vigil takes place on the Thursday during Mental Illness Awareness Week. The Memorial Forest seeks to lessen the stigma around mental illness. It's also a time to remember those who have passed on after a courageous battle with mental illness. The Vigil includes a variety of music, lived experience speakers, readings and much more. The community is welcome to attend this event on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 3-4 pm.
Free Event: Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery
Join Sam Marchionda on Thursday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. for a free event. Hear Sam share her story of mental health and substance use healing through the use of song in this unique performance. This live show aims to reduce stigma, normalize conversations and to help others feel seen.
REACH Niagara: Bringing Accessible Health and Social Services to Niagara's Most Vulnerable
REACH Niagara strives to improve the lives of individuals experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare through building meaningful relationships, supporting effective system navigation and advocating for our clients. REACH Niagara's Mobile Health Clinic provides ongoing primary care, assistance with forms, connection to social supports, harm reduction supplies, preventative care screening, system navigation and mental health counselling. REACH Niagara maintains a harm reduction approach to care and operates Niagara's first Safer Supply program which aims to prevent overdose-related deaths and increase the overall well-being of individuals in the program.
