Suicide Awareness Walks work to end the stigma this weekend

The annual CMHA Suicide Awareness walk raises awareness, reduces stigma, and supports those impacted by suicide in the community. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)

This weekend, Suicide Awareness Walks will take place throughout Windsor-Essex, working to end the stigma.

On Sunday, walks will take place in Windsor, Belle River, and Leamington. The walk will honour lives lost to suicide, stand with those struggling, and look to break down the stigma around suicide and mental health.

The walk in Windsor will start at the St. Clair College SportsPlex. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and opening remarks will take place at 9:30 a.m., before the two and five-kilometre walks take place.

In Belle River, the walk will take place at the Atlas Tube Recreation Center’s Earth Walk Trail at 10:30 a.m.

In Leamington, it will begin at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church into Seacliff Park at 8:30 a.m.

Chad Kennedy, founder of ‘Sea to Sea for PTSD’, will be at the Windsor walk. He has been walking across Canada to raise awareness for mental health and PTSD.

“Suicide Awareness Month is about more than remembering those we’ve lost - it’s about coming together as a community to take action,” said Nicole Sbrocca, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch.

“Every life matters, and every conversation, training, and show of support has the power to save lives. By reducing stigma, encouraging open dialogue, and ensuring people know where to turn for help, we can create a community where no one has to struggle in silence.”

The walks are open to everyone, including pets. Further details for registration are available here.