GREENFIELD — With September marking Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a Greenfield resident is organizing an “Alternatives to Suicide” vigil to create an opportunity for peer-to-peer conversations about suicide.
The vigil will be held outside the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, located at 8 Church St., on Friday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk about their experiences with suicide and how peer-to-peer support groups can help those who are struggling.
“We have found talking to other people who have been through it is more effective,” said Greenfield resident and vigil organizer Kemah Wilson. “People who have been through it want others to know how we got there.”
Wilson said her own experiences with suicidal thoughts and support groups inspired her to create this event to raise awareness about suicide prevention. She hopes the vigil can “break down the stigma” of suicide and connect people to peer support groups.
While there are no scheduled speakers, people are welcome to step up and speak about their experiences and to offer their support to others.
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.