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Music for Mental Health event returning to Stettler soon

Stettler
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Erin Lenz and Hayley Fawcett from the Heartland Youth Centre discuss some of the programs at the facility. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)

Music for Mental Health is returning to the Stettler Performing Arts Centre for its sixth year on Feb. 6. 

Lesa Miller first started Music for Mental Health to honour the memory of her daughter Kalysta, who took her own life in 2017. 

Each year the event welcomes different speakers to talk about their experiences and challenges with mental health, Miller said.

"The suicide survivors speaker this year is Kristina Wilson and the keynote speaker is Kevin Sabo." 

When picking the speakers, Miller thought their stories needed to be heard.

"Kevin shared his story with my Sister and I, we thought that Kevin's story was something that needed to be heard and it would give people hope. He was in a very bad spot and he is in a good spot now." 

"Kristina kind of the same thing, I had asked if anyone wanted to speak as a survivor and Kristina reached out to me and I said you got to write your story down so she did," Miller said. 

Aside from listening to the speakers, people who attend the event will also get to listen to Alberta musician Dean Ray perform.

"He also played last year. He was entertaining and sounded fantastic, and he involved the audience and got them to participate too," Miller said.

Events like Music for Mental Health are super important to raise awareness around mental health and suicide. 

"There is still a stigma around both mental health and suicide. I feel evenings like Music for Mental Health make people more aware and provide information that could help someone," Miller said.

"I hope with all my heart I can help just one person stay alive, and not just become a memory. Which is also our tagline this year, don't become just a memory." 

If things brought up by either of the guest speakers trigger anyone during the event, there is also a councillor available to talk to who will be in attendance. 

"In the hallway, sitting there throughout the whole show will be a councillor available in case anyone does have problems," Miller said.  

Tickets for the event are available to purchase before the event at Wells Furniture and the door to the event. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for students.

All the money raised from the event this year will go towards Spirit Respite Ranch.

"I try to give to a different organization each year that helps people with their mental health," Miller said.  

The Music for Mental Health Event will start at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6, with the doors opening for the event at 6:30 p.m. 

 



Sarah Baker

About the Author: Sarah Baker

I joined Black Press in March 2023 and am looking forward to sharing stories about the local communities.
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