First Men’s Walk for Mental Health has been deemed a success.
Last Friday, the community gathered at Elliot Lake City Hall to begin their walk with participants from many organizations.
They wound their way to the Oak Centre, where participants shared their stories, reinforcing the message that it is essential for men to ‘speak up’ when they need help rather than ‘manning up’ and suffering silently.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, which was also in attendance, over the last twenty years the suicide rate among males has consistently been at least double that of females.
The walk was held to highlight the crisis as well as provide information as to the services the association can provide to men to help them overcome their mental health issues.
The organizers, Larry’s Place Walk, say that after the success of this year’s inaugural event, they plan to make it an annual event.
