Facing a Crisis Head On

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Tuesday, 7 June 2016 at 13:01

Hundreds of Students walked out of class today to talk about youth suicide, mental health and suicide prevention.

WOODSTOCK - Hundreds of students walked out of class today in Woodstock.

They wanted to prove a point and talk about the recent run of youth suicides and suicide attempts in our community. Grade 11 student at Huron Park Secondary School MacKenzie Gall explains why they organized this walkout.

"The reason I am standing here in front of you all today is to advocate for all those who don't have a voice or support or just don't have the strength, I'm helping organize this event and many others in the future to help prove a point, our point of standing up today was not to skip class or miss out on our education, it was to show that one minute we are here and one minute we aren't, you never when it is going to be the last time you see someone."

Each school had a representative speak at the rally. They came from WCI, Huron Park Secondary School, Notre Dame, College Ave, St. Mary's and even a few elementary students were in attendance. Tai Hope represented WCI and shared his story of depression and anxiety and encouraged everyone to get proactive in dealing with mental health.

"When I heard about the suicides, I realized their are a lot of people out there needing help but not knowing how to get it but it is time for change, it is time for us to make a difference, not just as students but as a community, it's time for us to come together as one and show people that we do care and that CHANGE CAN HAPPEN."

Up next was Emily Corden from Huron Park Secondary School who shared a poem she wrote about cutting and then they had another student lead them in a sing along with the song True Colours. Julia Vale was the speaker for Notre Dame, she talked about her experiences and encouraged everyone in he crowd to speak up and talked about why she thinks the suicides were preventable.

"Because I know that all, some or even one of their deaths could have been prevented if the educational system took more action to educate and provide more mental health services to students, stop the silence, we need to talk about mental health, keeping our suffering silent is killing us and youth are one of the populations that are at the highest risks for suicide attempts and completion."

Two St. Mary's Students spoke at the rally and talked about losing a dear friend to suicide. Jada Downing represented College Ave and wanted the kids to know they are not alone.

"No one is going to judge you because you need someone to talk to, here in Oxford County we have many councillors and several places to go for help. I have talked to many crisis workers over the past week and they have all been absolutely amazing, I personally always feel a little bit better after talking to them, I'm not ashamed to say I am not ok and neither should you."

The crowd also heard from councillor Shawn Shapton and Mayor Trevor Birtch. They wanted to let the students know that their voices are being heard and a lot of work is going on behind the scenes to make this better. Birtch also asked the students to reach out to him and the city to let them know the best way to reach the youth.

The students also talked about what they would like to see happen in our schools. They would like more in school counselling, crisis beds at the Woodstock Hospital, a youth centre, a peer group for counselling and crisis councillors in the school on a daily basis.