Dryden Police, Provincial Police and members of the public took time Monday morning to raise awareness of youth mental health and suicide.
They joined Kevin Redsky and his ‘Hope in the Darkness’ Walk as he continued his trek across Canada.
Redsky has been in policing for 15-years and he says it’s important that police re-establish relationships with youth as officers are usually the first responders in a crisis situation.
He stresses police must have the trust of a young victim.
Redsky says the goal of his walk is to empower youth and show them we care.
He says the current system isn’t working and more awareness is needed.
Redsky is listening to the concerns of youth in a bid to find out what’s working and what’s not working.
He will take all feedback gathered and compile a final report with recommendations.
That report will be made available to the public, health care providers, mental health workers, government and police.
Redsky notes one thing that has been made loud and clear is that immediate help and support is needed.
There are two streams of the cross-country walk, with one group leaving from the East and another from the West.
Redsky, who is originally from Shoal Lake #40, started his trek in Newfoundland on April 1st.
The Anishnabek police officer plans to end his walk in Winnipeg on August 3rd with a community celebration.
Redsky says support from his colleagues has been amazing and he took time Monday at a Pancake Breakfast to thank Dryden Police, OPP and other local officials for backing his cause.
He will be in Vermilion Bay for the rest of the day.
To hear more from Kevin Redsky, visit the Audio link below.
We are walking between Dryden and Vermilion Bay to draw attention to Hope in the Darkness walk for youth mental health with Sgt Kevin Redsky of APS. Give us a honk of support and help the initiative at https://t.co/kTE29Fpg5A @OPP_NWR @DrydenPolice @ckdrnews @DrydenObserver . pic.twitter.com/NKnBQxwQis
— OPP NorthWest Region (@OPP_NWR) July 23, 2018
