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Light a candle for suicide prevention




On September 10th, residents of Shelburne are asked to light a candle in their window in support of suicide prevention.
On this day, people from over 50 countries will join with the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in recognizing ‘World Suicide Prevention Day'.
Since 2003, WSPD has publically brought the need for suicide awareness and a greater commitment to suicide prevention to the world stage.
According to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, it is estimated that each day in Canada, 11 people will end their life and 210 will attempt to.
Suicide occurs across all age, economic, social and ethnic boundaries. The pain that leads individuals to take their lives is unimaginable, and their deaths leave family and friends bereft and their communities impacted.
On September 10th at 8 p.m., the Suicide Awareness Council of Wellington Dufferin (SACWD), asks residents to light a tea candle (safely), and place it for all to see. The candle is for those who have been bereaved by suicide and for the survivors of suicide.
Heather Glenister, SACWD coordinator, says, “The lighting of a candle symbolizes hope. When we come together as a caring, compassionate and informed community, we have a greater ability to save lives and give a bigger voice to promoting mental health, resilience and wellness. We can also better support those who have been impacted by suicide.”
The intention of the event is to bring people together in order to build awareness, and ultimately, create change.
Tea-light candles are available from the Council at any Canadian Mental Health Association office in Wellington and Dufferin Counties.
For more information on suicide and mental health, visit www.suicideprevention.ca and www.mentalhealthcommission.ca

By Wendy Gabrek
Post date: 2015-09-03 21:05:23
Post date GMT: 2015-09-04 01:05:23
Post modified date: 2015-09-09 18:20:34
Post modified date GMT: 2015-09-09 22:20:34
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