Whether it’s taking the first step and reaching out for mental-health support, or continuing to walk on a lifelong journey, having open conversations and taking steps alongside supportive community can help individuals feel supported improving their mental health.
To recognize the journey, Nightwalk for Hope aims to create space to destigmatize mental-health support. On Jan. 30, the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) will host a five-kilometre walk, starting at Spruce Grove Park and winding through the Valley Trail and Whistler Village. Funds raised from the event support outreach services.
WCSS executive director, Jackie Dickinson, said the organization's goal is to raise $50,000. With more than 10,000 interactions between support workers and community members, the primary reasons for accessing WCSS services last year were mental health and financial security concerns, two issues which intersect.
In its third year, Dickinson said walking in January was a choice that is reflective of difficulties people face in winter months.
“We’re hearing from a lot of people in January from an outreach perspective, that they were struggling with their mental health. And so, we really wanted to bring people together at a time where we know it's difficult to also ask for help,” she said.
The interactive event’s goal is to help people tell their own stories, while also serving as a vehicle to tell the story and work of WCSS.
“We wanted to do a fundraiser that as people joined us on that night, it was clear what the story of the work we do is, and also allows people to talk about the impact mental health has on them,” Dickinson said.
Work for the fundraiser and event was spearheaded by Dave Clark, Jen Hashimoto, Imogen Osborne and Cara Burrow.
Each kilometre highlights an issue related to mental health and people are encouraged to discuss their own stories as they walk together in the cold. The walk is open to everyone, be they parents with strollers, fur babies or wheelchair users.
While walking five km at night may not seem like an ideal way to spend an evening, discomfort is intended.
“It's not supposed to be comfortable. It is a night that is dark, potentially quite cold and rainy, but we recognize that people go through all kinds of different experiences and times in their life that aren't always comfortable when it comes to their mental health,” Dickinson said. “Our goal is to bring together people at times where people are mostly struggling, 8 to 10 p.m. at night, when the world potentially goes quiet for most. We want to create a sense of hope and bring a lot of light to that period of the evening.”
Walkers should wear weather-appropriate clothes and aren’t required to commit to the whole five km.
Diana Chan, owner of Moguls Coffee House and board member for WCSS, has been the presenting partner of the walk since it started three years ago.
“As a small business owner, I wanted to find ways to support our team," Chan said. "We have different employee needs, and during the pandemic, people felt the impact of reduced social connection. Coming out of the pandemic, when we had discussions with WCSS, community awareness of mental health seemed to slip away a bit."
Aside from supporting people going through mental-health challenges, a secondary goal for Chan was crossing the divide between those who have stable, livable income and housing, which can provide the stability necessary for positive mental-health outcomes, and those in Whistler who don’t.
“A lot of community events centre around activities, but this is one where you experience the cold that those with housing insecurity feel," she said. "You’re out in the dark, which is figurative. It’s a different way to connect in the community. I’ve found great connections with new people that I might not have an opportunity to meet."
Find more info or make a donation at mywcss.org.
