In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council held a dedication ceremony in Elmvale, highlighted by the donation of a memorial bench honouring those lost to suicide.

The bench was created and donated by Shawn Evans, a longtime volunteer with the Council. This marks the tenth bench Evans has contributed to the cause. Speaking with Simcoe Community Media, he explained that his motivation comes from a desire to raise awareness about mental health and provide a space for remembrance.

“If you know somebody who seems to be struggling, you need to speak up and ask if they're okay and offer help. If you yourself are struggling, there are so many people out there willing to listen and help, including organizations like the Council,” Evans said. “People don’t need to suffer in silence.”

Music at the ceremony was performed by Lee Matthieu, a Council member who also spoke about her personal experience with suicide loss in her family. She emphasized the unpredictable nature of suicide, noting that there are often no clear warning signs. “Suicide doesn’t follow a predictable pattern, and there are no set rules for identifying when someone is struggling,” she said.

Matthieu encouraged open communication, adding, “It's okay not to be okay, and it's okay to ask somebody how they're feeling.”

Elder John Rice, co-founder of the Indigenous organization The Feather Carriers, spoke about the importance of open dialogue, particularly among men. “No matter how overwhelming something is, it's important to reach out and talk to someone, talk about your feelings, talk about what you're going through,” he said. “And the counterpoint to that, when someone comes and talks to you, is to listen to them.”

Bernadette Ramsay-Copeland, co-founder of the Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council, highlighted that the organization hosts similar events each year on September 10 in communities across the county. “We just want people to know that they're not alone,” she said. “We are thinking about them and letting them know that support is out there.”

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually to honour those lost to suicide and to emphasize the importance of reaching out—whether for oneself or someone in need. Events like this serve as a reminder that community support, awareness, and compassionate conversation can save lives.