World Suicide Prevention Month supported by Nottawasaga Ontario Provincial Police

September 4, 2025 · 0 Comments

The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is proud to support World Suicide Prevention Month through September and remians committed to raising awareness about suicide, mental health, and suicide prevention.

On Sept. 10, at 3:30 p.m., the Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council alongside officers from the surrounding OPP detachments will be hosting its 10th Anniversary Memorial Bench and Tree Dedication at Springwater, marking a major milestone of community engagement and remembrance.

This milestone event honours lives lost to suicide and reinforces the importance of support, resilience, and hope for those affected by mental health challenges.

Over the years, the suicide awareness council has presented memorial benches in communities across Simcoe County and beyond-including Gravenhurst, Collingwood, Adjala-Tosorontio, Rama, Barrie, Orillia, Angus, Midland, and Parry Sound. These benches serve as visible reminders of strength and solidarity.

In 2019, a bench was dedicated in front of OPP General Headquarters, symbolizing the OPP’s ongoing commitment-under Commissioner Carrique’s leadership to reduce stigma and promote mental wellness within policing and the broader community.

The Nottawasaga OPP continues to work closely with York Support Services Network (YSSN) through the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT).

Since 2017, this partnership has provided timely, compassionate support to individuals in crisis. The MCRT, consisting of OPP constables and YSSN crisis response workers, responds to calls within the detachment area, offering on-scene assessment, support, and referrals to community services.

For anyone struggling, you are not alone, and help is available.

Local mental health resources: