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Film shown for Chilliwack in loving memory of Robin Williams

Chilliwack Hospice and Community Services, with Prospera Credit Union, are inviting the community to a screening of Patch Adams on Sept. 10
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Chilliwack Hospice Society and Chilliwack Community Services

It's a film event proclaiming the power of prevention when it comes to suicide and mental health issues.

In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day on Wednesday Sept. 10, the film Patch Adams with Robin Williams will be screened at the Cottonwood Theatre.

Chilliwack Hospice Society and Chilliwack Community Services, with Prospera Credit Union, are inviting the community to take part in the special film event.

"We had been planning to host a film series as we do several times a year," said Hospice society education coordinator Colleen Rush.

"In light of the fact of Robin Williams' suicide, we thought this might be a good time to reach out and connect with people in the community, to let them know there are resources for those struggling with mental health issues."

Having a celebrity of Williams' calibre struggling in this way, "as unfortunate as his death was, the one thing that has come out it since is increased awareness," Rush said.

Awareness is key to crushing stigma, she said.

Hospice Society recognizes death as a part of life. It exists to offer support for those in the grieving or dying process, but they also started a suicide grief support group for the community, among other programs.

After the film Patch Adams is screened next Wednesday, there will a discussion and Q&A session, and info about what support and resources are available in Chilliwack.

Chilliwack Community Services executive director James Challman said while they don't provide suicide prevention counselling per se, they do offer many services that can lead to helpful referrals, guidance and assistance.

"So it's very appropriate that we assist in the recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day," Challman said.

Patch Adams, followed by discussions, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chilliwack Cottonwood 4 Cinemas on Luckakuck Way, $5.

If you are in crisis or need to talk to someone about suicide call 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433.



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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