Silent candlelit vigil planned for World Suicide Prevention Day

Registered Provisional Psychologist Angela Irvine with Medicine Hat Counselling Collective says it’s a day to honour those who have been lost to suicide.

And to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

The silent candlelit vigil will be held at Riverside Veterans Memorial Park at 6 PM on Thursday, September 10.

Attendees will decorate a white paper bag to honour a loved one.

Or leave a message for those who are going through a difficult time.

Irvine says they will then set out a pathway at the park to walk through and reflect.

Poems and prayers will also be read.

“But this year with the losses our community has had we really have suffered a community tragedy or a community trauma and so we’re wanting to give that space to the community and the families who have been affected to really process and take that time to honour those loved ones, but also to come together to find that connection that is so important during these times of grief,” Irvine said.

If you are unable to attend, you can light a candle at your porch or window at your home.

“I think in general we’re social beings so we always need that connection. It’s the interconnections that add to wellness when we talk about what helps with wellness. But especially in times of tragedy or grief, it’s that connection that can help us through the most difficult moments. And help us to feel less isolated to understand that others have had similar experiences to us as well,” she said.

Irvine adds they will be following physical distancing guidelines and asks for attendees to wear a mask. There will be hand sanitizer on site.

“I think in our own personal work we’re hearing that opportunity to slow down and hold space with another person is really critical to that healing process.”

The Facebook group event can be found by visiting this link.

by Chantal Wagner

Silent candlelit vigil planned for World Suicide Prevention Day

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