A recent episode of WNYIL’s weekly podcast, Independent Perspective, featured a discussion with Mental Health Peer Connection Director Kevin Smith about the upcoming Kites and Kindness Cookout.
Taking place on Saturday, September 27 from 11am – 3pm at Shelter #1 in Cheektowaga Town Park, this free event is designed to bring people together to raise awareness about mental health.
According to Smith, the cookout is “our opportunity to bring some folks together, fly some kites, share some good food, raise awareness of mental health, but more importantly, just create that social connection where people can come out for some recreation and some joy with their fellow community”.
Smith expressed that the stigma surrounding mental health can be a barrier for people to ask for help. He is hopeful the event opens the door for people who need help to think about “ways they may want to start engaging in some sort of wellness activities for themselves”.
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance by calling Christine at 716-836-0822, ext. 147.
Listen to the full podcast on the Kites and Kindness event.