Mental health training, education and awareness programs in Windsor-Essex are getting a boost of $50,000 from Unifor Local 444.
Local Canadian Mental Health Association CEO Claudia den Boer says it goes towards the new Sole Focus Program, looking to curb suicide and stigma surrounding mental health.
"It's about making sure that people understand what the signs and symptoms are," she explains. "Whether it's you as an individual who's struggling, or as a support, that you might be able to help a friend to go for help."
Den Boer says the region has seen a recent suicide spike in youth and in men between the ages of 45 and 60.
That problem is not unique to Windsor-Essex, but the CEO says awareness needs to be raised.
The local CMHA will be officially launching the Sole Focus Project on February 15. Its goal is to raise $500,000 over three years.
