Wellington County, Ont.- Here4Hope is pleased to announce Chantelle Koeslag as the recipient of the 2024 Neil Dunsmore Power of One Award. Chantelle will be receiving the award at the Wellington County Council meeting on Thursday, September 26. This annual award recognizes an individual in Wellington County whose actions have made a significant contribution to promoting life and preventing suicide.
Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. The goal of Here4Hope is to engage as many individuals and organizations as possible in this important work.
In the fall of 2020, Neil Dunsmore walked 500 km from Elora to Ottawa. Neil’s ‘Steps to Stop the Silence’ was a message to everyone that we must not stay silent about mental illness and suicide. Proceeds from the walk supported the Cody Sheppard Project. Neil demonstrated commitment, leadership, and compassion through his efforts for ‘Steps to Stop the Silence’.
Chantelle was nominated for this award by one of her patients that has had ongoing struggles with mental health and suicidal ideation. Chantelle provided this client with not only excellent physical care but also went above and beyond to support this individual’s mental health. Chantelle has clearly demonstrated the power of one to make an incredible difference.
Chantelle’s patient and nominator, who wishes to remain anonymous, said “she didn’t try to fix it, distract me or steamroll me with the bright side. She didn’t rush me out or send me away. She simply sat on the floor with me and listened. She was the first person to truly make me feel safe in the world and that I was a valuable and worthy person. Chantelle saw the light in me that I was not able to see for myself and she never gave up on me until she was able to show me the light.”
“Chantelle clearly demonstrates how as a health care professional she was able to not just provide medical care but also to provide emotional care,” commented Cecilia-Marie Roberts, Project Lead for Here4Hope. “Chatelle took the time to listen without judgement. To support with compassion and most important hold the hope for her patient until she could hold it for herself.”
Previous recipients of the Neil Dunsmore Power of One award include Lynn Brandwood (2023), the Centre Wellington Minor Lacrosse Association (2022) and Myrna Hutchinson – Get In Touch for Hutch (2021).
Learn more about Here4Hope at: www.here4hope.ca
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Media Contact:
Cecilia Marie Roberts, Project Lead, Here4Hope
T 519.546.2659
E ceciliamarier@wellington.ca