Several Chatham-Kent residents are trying to get the message out that it’s okay to not be okay.
Around 20 people took part in a suicide prevention walk in Chatham Tuesday afternoon, walking from the DUDES Club to the community’s cenotaph and back.
All those in attendance had previously lost a loved one to suicide. This included Gerald Robert, one of the walk’s co-organizers. His his son Joe died by suicide 11 years ago.
“No one talks about suicide because it’s a taboo item. I don’t go around telling people my son committed suicide but we need to say it more often so somebody out there can get help,” he said.
Also taking part was Richard Stass. His brother Colin took his own life two weeks earlier.
“We tried to get him better but he didn’t and unfortunately... it got the best of him,” he added.
Stass explained it was important for him to take part in the walk for his brother and so people who may be struggling know there’s people who care.
Robert and Stass agreed more people are starting to open up, however, many continue to suffer in silence.
This is the fourth year Robert and his partner Tina Thorpe have organized a suicide prevention walk. Come Together CK has been a partner every year with the DUDES Club and Junctura Group Construction deciding to take part for the first time this year.
