World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)
Sarnia

A Message of Hope (Gallery)

It was with heavy hearts that the community gathered Thursday evening to show their support for suicide victims, survivors, and those currently struggling.

A series of speakers and live entertainment honoured World Suicide Prevention Day at the Canatara bandshell.

Mental Health Promotions Specialist with the Lambton-Kent CMHA Ellie Fraser says the event is one of many ways they show support.

"It's important to bring suicide out of the shadows. There's so much shame and stigma associated with mental illness," says Fraser. "But I honestly believe that this is, it's still only one day of the year, and so it's still important for people to know that there are tons of resources out there."

Participants were welcome to fly kites as well, the symbol chosen for World Suicide Prevention day.

Kites represent the person that has been lost and the string represents the connection that will always be there.

Information on suicide support can be found through the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Sarnia-Lambton Suicide Prevention websites.

World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Dave Moore speaks on the story of the kite and the Kite Banner art piece. World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell, September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Dave Moore speaks on the story of the kite and the Kite Banner art piece. World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell, September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Kites were flown as the symbol of World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Kites were flown as the symbol of World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)World Suicide Prevention Day at Canatara bandshell. September 10, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

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