By Courtney Almeida

Self-Care Event

Suicide Prevention Resource Centre hosting free self-care event today

May 3, 2019 | 5:30 AM

The Suicide Prevention Resource Centre will be hosting a free self-care event this evening (May 3) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Practitioners from the Resource Centre will be volunteering their time to provide opportunities for survivors of suicide loss or those experiencing challenges associated with mental health illnesses.

This will be the sixth year of the annual event. It is open to anyone who has lost someone to suicide.

This year, we’re opening it up to also include people who are living with, concerned with, or experiencing themselves, the effects of depression and anxiety,” says Faris Atkinson, Program Coordinator for Suicide Prevention Resource Centre.

A variety of resources will be provided for participants such as the opportunity to sit and do arts and crafts, enjoy a relaxing massage or participate in Reflexology or Reiki healing practices.

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Local History

Oliver's Funeral Home - 109 years of Service

Sep 04, 2024

Funeral Alternatives

When You Don't Want A Funeral

Aug 07, 2024

“When people have suffered a traumatic loss, they are searching. Searching, for ways to help them through that situation and we’re offering an opportunity for people to try something a little different or to have that opportunity to just take a moment in their day and take a breath. Just be with people that get them.”

Food and refreshments donated on behalf of Oliver’s Funeral Home will be offered at the event.

“Often times, especially if you’re going through any kind of loss. We tend to put ourselves second or third or farther down our priority list. There’s so much to do, there’s so much to concentrate on and then when we have this loss, it just makes it more difficult to do things,” said Atkinson.

She describes how in many situations; people often take care of other people in their life during these difficult times and forget about themselves.

Atkinson says it’s important to look after yourself first so that you can be there for others.

“So that you can be healthy yourself. So that you can model healthy behaviour for other people going through similar things.”

This is the first year that the group has extended the invite to offer care to people supporting those with mental illnesses.

“It makes it a little easier for that person to go, if they’re going with someone who’s supportive,” she said.

There are no scheduled or mandatory activities in place for attendees. The expectation is that those who attend can decide how they want to participate.

No registration is required ahead of time and the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre is located at 10014 99 Street, 2^nd Floor Nordic Court, Grande Prairie.

For anyone struggling to cope with suicide loss or any other mental health illness, local resources are available here.