Walk held for World Suicide Prevention Day to help ‘change the narrative’

KAMLOOPS – A sea of yellow t-shirts with the words “Change the Narrative” could be seen at McArthur Island Saturday (Sept. 7). The second annual World Suicide Prevention Day Walk took place in the community.

“Kamloops did not have a big community event and we knew that we needed to talk about suicide. We needed to help spread awareness and prevention,” said Linda Baily of the Kamloops Suicide Loss Support Group. “Last year was our first big event in the community and this is our second. It’s just amazing to see everybody coming out, showing their support, and giving us an opportunity to share resources and provide support.”

Multiple booths offering refreshments, shirts and mental health support were set up around the parking lot. The group says events like this continue to spread awareness and help people talk about suicide, mental health and changing the narrative.