Staff and clients of the CMHA Prince Albert prepare for a walk to raise awareness during Mental Health Week. (Rob Mahon/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

CMHA Walk

CMHA Prince Albert holds walk to raise awareness for Mental Health Week

May 4, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Mental Health Week runs from May 1 to May 7, and the Prince Albert Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is using the week to shine a light on mental health issues and try to break down the stigma surrounding them.

Thursday morning, about 15 clients and supporters from CMHA Prince Albert walked from their office on Central Avenue down toward the river for a visible show of support for those suffering from mental health concerns. It’s become a tradition of theirs during this week.

“I think it’s fantastic that we have the opportunity to walk,” said Doug Kinar, executive director of the CMHA Prince Albert, “make people aware, and let people know that we’re here and we’re part of the community.”

In their battle against the stigma surrounding mental health, Kinar is starting to notice more and more victories. Often, when people learn that someone works with CMHA Prince Albert, the response is immediate and positive.

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“We’ve developed, over the last ten or twelve years, five apartment buildings totaling 27 units,” Kinar said. “We’re getting more mental health first aid workshops done as we proceed. We’re just making progress.”

The walk, which started with a barbecue for the clients and a high-spirited get together, is just one aspect of what the week will entail for the CMHA in Prince Albert. They’ve also partnered with the Mann Art Gallery to display both paintings and writings inspired by mental health.

“Being able to take what’s going on inside, and putting it outside, whether it’s through your art, any kind of performance,” said Kinar, “it’s all important for trying to take who you are on the inside and get it so that other people can see who you are, validate who you are. People want to be seen, heard, and valued.”

The atmosphere at the walk was accepting, and some people who happened to pass by were invited to grab a sign and join them, an invitation that at least one accepted. This, according to Kinar, was just an extension of the atmosphere they try to foster at all times.

“We expect to be courteous and accepting of each other,” said Kinar. “It’s a place where they can come to be themselves and not worry about the stigma that is still out there.

Kinar added they’ve produced books already of poetry, stories of childhood, and other mental-health focused writings and they’re hoping to produce more anthologies.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP