The issue of mental health is taking a seat at W.L. Seaton Secondary.
In recognition of Mental Health Month, the Vernon high school, with the support of Seaton alumni, is hosting an evening of conversation Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. about how to support the mental health of students.
“Mental health awareness has grown and we want to continue to build on this growth by encouraging people to feel comfortable talking about mental health,” said principal Jackie Kersey.
Sam Fiorella will be there to share the story of his son’s death by suicide.
“Mr. Fiorella will address what parents need to know about their kids mental health, and what they might be able to do to help,” said Kersey.
All parents are invited and district and school counsellors will be in attendance to participate in the conversation.
“We chose October to mark Mental Health Awareness Month,” said Kersey, whose school will also gain a friendship bench at a special Wednesday morning assembly
“The Seaton grad class of 1996 is donating a bench in honour of a classmate who ended his own life recently.”
Fiorella, who started the Friendship Bench Project after losing his son, will speak to students and dedicate the bench to Seaton in order to encourage everyone to talk about mental health.
The bench will be installed just outside of the counsellor’s area at Seaton.
More information about Fiorella and the Yellow Bench Project can be found at https:// thefriendshipbench.org