For the past several years, Beacon For Hope Suicide Prevention has had a large presence on the community calendar with a variety of events and activities aimed at addressing the stigma of suicide among various demographics.
This year, however, Beacon For Hope has taken a different approach in broaching the subject with the community by combining three of its most notable events into one Saturday. You Matter Fest, held at the Bowyer Community Building, saw Beacon combine its Hope Walk, Sad, Mad, Glad and Rage Against the Stigma into one gathering that, in the words of Beacon Director Melissa Owen, was meant to help take the spotlight off the individual and shine it more on their needs.
She believes this approach is one that can open more doors for discussion amongst community members, noting that many people often don’t feel comfortable attending events where they feel the attention will be directly on them.
While speaking with Owen, KVOE News equated this fear to that of stage fright, keeping with the theme of spotlighting, noting that it is one of the most common fears in the world. Owen agreed, saying this is very similar in that regard, noting that not only can being the center of attention cause some to avoid certain activities, it can also lead to them further recoiling from others.
Owen says one of the major benefits of having multiple events in one is that it can attract a larger number of attendees, therefore creating the opportunity for individuals to find comfort in having friends and family alongside them as they explore their own personal journeys with the topic of suicide. She adds, there is also an opportunity for individuals to make new connections who can serve as “a friendly face” in the crowd in times when fear or “embarrassment” may deter them from seeking assistance.
With the event, of course, came many activities and booths from local community partners as well as food trucks, a bake sale, a photo booth, minnow races, a scavenger hunt, door prizes and more.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, help is available through Beacon for Hope at HopeLinks.org or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling 988.
