'Here to help': RCMP across the North walk for mental health awareness

RCMP across Canada organized special walks to raise awareness for mental health week today, including Northern detachments.

The event,called"Walk the Mental Health Talk," is designed to bring community members together and raise awareness about the reality of mental health issues across the country.

"We're out here to help," saidConst. Lurene Dillon.

"The main goal today is to get out there to show the community how much we support them and show them how important mental health and healthy choices are to us and them," added Dillon.

RCMP are also planning to visit schools in Iqaluit to do presentations as part of mental health week in Nunavut.

RCMP in Yellowknife started their walk at noon from their detachment headquarters and made their way throughout the city.

Participants there were encouraged to wear green in support of positive mental health.

"We were so pleased to see the turnout of all our community partners," said Yellowknife'sChief Superintendent Ron Smith, Commanding Officer of G Division RCMP.

"The theme this year is 'Get Loud'," said Smith.

"We all need to use our voices to speak up for one another, and ourselves, to show our support of those who aredealingwith mental health-related experiences."