WESTLOCK – Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) hosted a community mental health walk on May 8 to promote healthy living and encourage conversations around mental wellness.
The event, held in recognition of Mental Health Week (May 5–11), featured a three-kilometre walking route that started at the Westlock Spirit Rotary Club’s tennis courts and looped back in a circle. Two group walks were offered — one during the lunch hour and another around 5 p.m. — to give residents flexible options for participation.
One participant, Audrey Hodge, completed the full route solo and said the experience felt unique, even on a familiar path.
“It was so interesting ’cause I walk the trail all the time, but it's just something different with all of the stuff on it,” she said.
As a thoughtful gesture, FCSS organizers placed small gifts along the trail, including motivational notes, well-being stickers, and charms featuring a mental health awareness symbol. These surprises served as uplifting tokens for walkers throughout the route.
The initiative aligns with this year’s Mental Health Week theme from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): “Unmasking Mental Health.” The campaign encourages people to speak openly about their struggles and reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.
According to CMHA, “By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it.”
