Walking Together presentations on mental health and addiction

By Darlene Fros

“Would you be here today if someone hadn’t stepped in, befriended and believed in you,” and without hesitation he responded, “Absolutely not. I would not be alive today.”

This was part of the closing speaker’s comments in relation to his addiction and homelessness journey during the January 2025 Walking Together presentation at the Port Rowan Community Centre organized by The Walk With Me Project founders Darlene Fros and Karen Hammond.

The aim of this year’s event was “Educate To Empower” via tools, knowledge and compassion. Through the generous and ongoing donations and sale of promotional materials as well as the gracious sponsorship of the Long Point Lioness Lions Club, we were able to bring in our guest speaker, local service providers, and new this year, local authors who have walked these roads and supported those who have walked through various paths related to our focus on mental health and addictions.

First responder and mental health first aid instructor Jenny Townsend presented sobering insights and statistics surrounding mental health, mental illness, and discussed the significant impact that these play in the world of addictions. It is also important to know that addictions are not restricted to drugs, medications and alcohol. The destructive tendencies of addiction can also be seen in lifestyle choices, social media preoccupations and negative coping methods to life’s challenges. Yet there is hope.

Lill Petrella from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) relayed some of the intervention services that are available to our area.

Kelly Kokus, nurse practitioner with the Southcoast Wellness Addictions and Mental Health agency, presented available programs and options for care and ongoing supports through their office located in Simcoe.

Roselle Slaght, social worker with the Norfolk Family Health Team, also gave insight into chronic pain services and supports and how to access services local to Norfolk County.

We were honoured to showcase four local authors who attended with their books and were available to chat with attendees. Jodi Walsh’s book The Nana Elaine Chronicles: Our Journey with Alzheimer’s and Dementia documents the highs and lows of caring for a loved one and is a very helpful resource for those who are walking this road with a friend or family member.

Leah Grey in her book No One Brings You A Casserole When Your Husband Goes To Rehab sheds light, humour, and support on an active addiction relationship.

Liz Grace in her memoir book entitled Resilient documents her journey through depression, psychosis, grief, and hearing loss and gives the insight she needed then to the reader now.

Patrick Baxter had three books there, one of which was The Suicide Notes, which provides perspective not only for those who may be suicidal but anyone who seeks a more peaceful life.

We all have a story to tell. Which brings us full circle to the gentleman spoken of earlier. A young man named Dakota shared his story of addiction, homelessness, losing a family member to overdose, relapsing 15 to 20 times and eventually connecting with a volunteer at a warming center. It was those conversations, that listening ear, the consistent perseverance of connection that played a part in eventually breaking the cycle for him and his current life is a testimony to that.

It was a true depiction of what we at The Walk With Me Project strive to convey. It is our hope and desire to help our community understand not only that it’s ok to talk about mental health, but also that you don’t need to have an answer to the problems. Just walk with them. In due time, without pressure or giving up, that light can shine for them again.

Originally printed in The Good News, March 2025.