A few words written in chalk may seem like a small gesture. But a message of hope, kindness or encouragement can be a powerful reminder that someone cares.
On September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, Carman Wellness Connections (CWC) is inviting businesses, organizations, schools, churches, community groups and residents to help fill Carman with messages of hope through Chalk the Walk.
The idea is simple: use sidewalk chalk to create positive and encouraging messages outside your business, organization, school, church, home or community space. Then take some time to walk through the community, see what others have created and start conversations about mental wellness and suicide prevention.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, support is available. You do not have to wait until a situation becomes an emergency to reach out.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 9-8-8, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line
Call 1-877-435-7170, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Southern Health-Santé Sud Crisis Response Line
Call 1-888-617-7715, available 24 hours a day.
Klinic Crisis Line
Call 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019, 24 hours a day.
Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services
Call 1-866-367-3276, 24 hours a day.
Kids Help Phone
Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
In an immediate emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
WHY THESE CONVERSATIONS MATTER
Suicide continues to have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities across Manitoba.
According to the 2025 Health Status of Manitobans Report, Manitoba had the second-highest suicide death rate among Canadian provinces in 2023, at 16.8 deaths per 100,000 people. The Canadian rate that year was 11.1 per 100,000.
Provincial data also show the human impact behind those numbers. In 2022, 222 Manitobans died by suicide, while preliminary provincial figures indicated 249 deaths in 2023. Every one of those deaths represents a person, as well as family members, friends, coworkers and communities affected by their loss.
For rural communities, access to mental health supports and opportunities for connection are particularly important. Southern Health-Santé Sud provides crisis response services throughout the region, including a 24-hour Crisis Response Line.
World Suicide Prevention Day provides an opportunity to bring these conversations into the open, challenge stigma and remind people that support is available.
CHALK. WALK. TALK.
Chalk the Walk centres around three simple actions:
CHALK your walkway with messages that inspire hope, kindness, resilience, mental wellness, suicide awareness and prevention, and community connection.
WALK through Carman with a friend, family member or group and take some time to see the messages others have created.
TALK about mental wellness. Check in with the people around you, start conversations and remind others that asking for help is okay.
CWC encourages participating organizations and businesses to create their displays early on September 10 and send a photo to CWC. Photos will be shared through CWC’s social media to showcase the messages appearing throughout the community.
Free sidewalk chalk is available from CWC. Businesses, schools, churches, organizations and community groups are also encouraged to let CWC know in advance that they are participating so their efforts can be promoted.
To participate or request chalk, email carmanwellnessconnections@gmail.com
Suicide prevention isn’t limited to one day of the year. It happens when people feel comfortable talking about mental health, when we notice someone may be struggling, when we reach out and when people know where they can turn for support.
On September 10, CWC hopes Carman’s sidewalks will become visible reminders of that connection.
A few words in chalk won’t solve every problem. But they can start a conversation, brighten someone’s day or remind someone walking past that hope and help are still there.