Lac La Biche – To raise awareness about mental health, Lac La Biche County FCSS placed free pins at various locations in the municipality for people to pick up and wear last week.
These pins, which were green and bore slogans such as ‘Mental Health Matters’ and ‘Fight the Stigma’, were available at McArthur Place, the County Centre Portage Pool and the Bold Centre. During the week, FCSS was on location at a couple of County businesses promoting mental health awareness. Each location and station also had business cards onsite that contained many important help line numbers. People could also pick up stickers with positive mental health messages.
When asked where the idea came about to have pins at different locations in Lac La Biche County for Mental Health Week, Cornelia Fechner, a community outreach worker with Lac La Biche County FCSS, explained that FCSS is always trying to be creative about how the organization can reach as many community members as possible, when it comes to its programs or raising awareness around medical or social issues.
“Together we are trying to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, and together we are trying to break the stigma,” Fechner told Lakeland This Week. “This takes a village, not just one person and we are living in a beautiful, open-minded community.”
Fechner explained that as part of the local campaign, FCSS officials had many conversations around mental health with members of the community. They received many positive and uplifting comments from the public including: “Thank you so much. I needed to hear this today.” “This is so important for us residential school survivors that have felt silenced for so long.” “This is such a sweet message.” and “Thank you for raising awareness.”
Awareness pins and ribbons are symbols to show support or raise awareness for a specific cause and to educate communities about medical and social issues.
“Different colours and patterns are associated with different issues. Lime Green represents the importance of mental health,” she explained.
There is help and resources available in the Lac La Biche region for people needing mental health assistance, Fechner said.
The Lac La Biche Mental Health and Addiction Centre, located inside the provincial building on Beaver Hill Road, offers a free walk-in single session clinic every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. There is also an Alberta mental health toll free line to access free services 24/7. The number is 1-877-303-2642.
“FCSS will help anyone who needs resources, as well as with referrals,” Fechner said.
FCSS will be offering two different classes for children 7-12 years of age in May. These classes are designed to teach youngsters about mental health through participating in fun activities. For more information about these classes, people are asked to call 780-623-6743.
