Each year, organizations across the globe observe World Mental Health Day on October 10, a day that started in 1992 to promote mental health advocacy and to educate the public on relevant issues and topics.
The first annual Walk and Talk in Chetwynd
This year, to commemorate the day, NH staff and residents in Chetwynd, BC organized the first annual Walk and Talk. Despite the brisk weather, dozens of people came out to show their support and help end the stigma.
The 26 km trek from Moberly Lake to Chetwynd encouraged participants to talk about their personal relationship with mental health, ask questions, and show that no one has to suffer alone.
Organized by Charla Brazeau, Primary Care Nurse, Chetwynd General Hospital, and local mental health advocate, Stan Fraser, the Walk and Talk had support from Northern Health, Saulteau Frist Nation, Chetwynd RCMP, Gerry’s Groceries, and Tim Hortons.
![A man in a high vis vest walks along the side of a road with a young girl who is looking up at him.](/sites/stories/files/inline-images/chetwynd-mental-health-walk.jpg)
“Mental health is often overlooked as a ‘silent illness’,” says Charla. “This event was to make people aware that they are not alone in having a mental illness and there is always someone there who will be there for you and have a listening ear.”
Organizers are thrilled with the event’s success and hope to see even more people make it out next year.
![Two smiling women pose for a selfie outside on a road lined with snow and trees.](/sites/stories/files/inline-images/oshen-walker-and-charla-brazeau.jpg)
![A view of a tree lined lake, hills on the horizon, and the sun shining in the sky.](/sites/stories/files/inline-images/river-in-chetwynd.jpg)
![Two smiling women pose for a selfie inside a vehicle.](/sites/stories/files/inline-images/oshen-walker-and-leona-clark.jpg)
![A police SUV with lights flashing and an unmarked police truck on the road, next to a walker.](/sites/stories/files/inline-images/rcmp-vehicle-escort.jpg)
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