The second annual “It Matters that You’re Here Walk of Hope and Healing” is set to take place on World Suicide Prevention Day — Tuesday, Sept. 10 — starting at Chrysler Hall Tower’s southwest flagpole.

Student Health, Counselling & Wellness Services in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity, & Inclusion Employee Mental Health Strategy implementation team plan to bring the campus community together to raise awareness of suicide prevention and promote help-seeking.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. with remarks and a flag-raising ceremony followed by an introduction to this year’s Care Champions. Attendees will then be invited to participate in a campus walk, followed by light refreshments.

The It Matters that You’re Here suicide prevention campaign flag will remain in place until the end of September to convey the importance of campus suicide prevention, foster a sense of care and connection for those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, and raise awareness of the It Matter that You’re Here initiative, which connects back to campus and community mental health resources, crisis supports, and options for emergency mental health care.

Participation in the walk is open to UWindsor students, faculty, and staff. Register here to join.

“As we begin the new school year and enter into suicide awareness month, this event is an important reminder that support is available for anyone on campus who may be struggling,” says Katie Chauvin, mental health and wellness co-ordinator. “Feelings of overwhelm, isolation, sadness that doesn’t go away, and thoughts of suicide are just a few signs that it’s time to reach out.

“There are free, confidential resources available to both students and employees and we encourage anyone who is going through a difficult time to access these supports. Reaching out and asking for help is the strongest thing you can do.”

Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or distress can find resources for 24/7 crisis support on the It Matters that You’re Here website. Click here to learn more.

Additional student mental health resources can be found here.

Additional employee mental health resources can be found here.