Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
The Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention is hosting a two-day retreat to help support people dealing with thoughts of suicide.
Shades of Jade will be hosted Oct. 5-6 at the Choosing Change Ranch between Grimshaw and Peace River.
“Shades of Jade Healing Sanctuary was created as a proactive approach to helping people deal with suicidal thoughts and ideation,” says the centre’s Casey Szmata.
“This is the first retreat in our area that is taking a proactive approach to dealing with suicide, rather than responding to it after it happens.”
The retreat will use horses to help gently guide and support individuals who are dealing with complex emotions that can arise with thoughts of suicide. The two-days will help teach coping skills and discover the transformative power of spending time with non-judgmental horses.
“The Retreat was initiated by Kaitlyn Armstrong, who lost her sister Jade to suicide in 2022,” Szmata adds. “The journey of healing for the family after a suicide loss is very difficult, and often can cause a ripple effect for those left behind. Kaitlyn, and many others recognize the need to have help as people navigate these thoughts.”
The hours of the retreat will be 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. both days and will not include an overnight stay.
“A large number of people in the Peace Region suffer silently with suicidal ideation,” notes Szmata.
“We want to be proactive and offer assistance to those people before the thoughts escalate. Our approach at the retreat is to offer support, education and friendship, while utilizing equine therapy, yoga, sound therapy, Skills for Safer Living and many other options for healing.”
Szmata says this is the first time an event like this has been held in the Peace Country and she hopes people will take advantage of this free event.
“We are very excited to be able to open our space to those who need it,” she says.
“The unique country setting offers tranquility and the opportunity to open up in a safe place. We are hoping to offer more in the future.”
The event is being sponsored by community supporters who recognize how vital this type of free event can be for people who need it. The complete list of supporters will be released in upcoming months.
“It has been proven that the presence of equine therapy horses offer gentle, non judgmental guidance for our participants,” she says.
“Anyone who has had thoughts of suicide should attend. Having thoughts of suicide is far more common than people realize, and this is the opportunity to allow us to help you through these thoughts and focus on healing,” she adds.
If you would like to register for the free event, please phone Choosing Change Counselling’s Charis at (780) 527-5566 or Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention Grimshaw’s Casey Szmata at the Resource Centre.