Kamloops will mark World Suicide Prevention Day with its fourth annual community event and optional walk on Sept. 5 at McArthur Island Park.

The free gathering will take place from 10 a.m. to noon near the boat launch area at 1655 Island Parkway. No registration is required.

The event was first opened to the public in 2023, following a smaller gathering organized the previous year by Linda Bailey, who lost her son Mason to suicide in November 2019.

Rebecca Sanford, facilitator of the Kamloops Suicide Loss Support Group and one of the event organizers, said the public event grew out of the desire to bring the wider community together.

Sanford said the first year exceeded organizers’ expectations, attracting more than 200 people. Attendance has remained at roughly 200 to 250 people annually, with a mix of returning participants and newcomers.

“It’s unfortunate that so many people in the community have been impacted by suicide,” Sanford said. “But we’re always so grateful when people who maybe aren’t connected to the support group find out about the event and decide to attend.”

Sanford said the event is intended for people directly affected by suicide, as well as those who want to learn more about how to support others.

“People who are impacted by suicide, whether that’s suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts and behaviour, oftentimes feel like they’re alone,” she said. “The more people know about suicide and how to talk about it, and the more people who feel comfortable talking openly about it, the better off everyone is.”

For Sanford, one of the central goals is addressing the stigma surrounding suicide. She said that stigma can prevent people from having open conversations about their experiences or seeking help.

“The biggest way that stigma shows up is silence,” Sanford said. “The more we talk about it, we make it okay to have those conversations and to reach out for help.”

The event is entirely funded through community donations. Local organizations and businesses contribute financially, while other agencies attend to provide information and resources.

This year’s participating organizations are planned to include the Canadian Mental Health Association, Interior Health Authority’s Early Psychosis Intervention Program and the CIRCLE Program operated by the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society. CIRCLE provides peer support for people in crisis in the community.

The event will also feature activities, snacks, tote bags and free T-shirts for early attendees.

Sanford said organizers hope the event continues to reach more people in the coming years, including residents who have not been directly affected by suicide.

“The hope is always that we continue reaching more people,” she said, “not only people who are impacted, but people who maybe are just curious and want to learn more about suicide and how to support people that they know who’ve been impacted, and what resources are out there.”

If you or someone you know may be affected by suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out to someone you trust or connect with local mental health and crisis support resources.