Wilfrid Laurier University hosting free concert to honour World Suicide Prevention Day

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

Across our country people will gather to show their support and to start the conversation to save lives.

Locally, the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council and Wilfrid Laurier University are hosting a number of activities at the Laurier campus today, including the annual butterfly release symbolizing hope for those affected by suicide.

Laurier and the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention will also host an inaugural cross-Canada concert for hope and awareness in partnership with Mysterious Barricades and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.

In a news release, the Executive Director of the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, Tana Nash says, Waterloo Region has been supportive with these kinds of events.

“Waterloo Region has always been very supportive of this event, and we are so pleased to bring such a variety of events including the opportunity to attend this special concert.”

Laurier’s Faculty of Music has partnered with the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council as well as Laurier’s Office of Student Affairs for the first time as part of a day to raise awareness of ths issue of mental health and suicide prevention.

“Music’s universal language brings healing and understanding beyond words, and gives us occasion to join forces with incredible local groups like the Goodhearted Women Singers and the Sing Fires of Justice Community Choir, as well as singer-songwriter Vienna D’Amato Hall in what promises to be a powerful and moving performance,” said Kimberly Barber, the live-concert organizer and member of Laurier’s Faculty of Music.

A recent study conducted by Kids Help Phone found one in five Canadian teens have seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year.