Carri Raynor, Coordinator of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, visits Westfield Academy and Central School as part of a weeklong mental wellness initiative.
From March 28 to April 4, Chautauqua Tapestry and the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County spent an impactful week at Westfield Academy and Central School, connecting with middle and high school students to promote mental wellness, resilience, and self-care.
In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Sources of Strength, the team delivered "It’s Real: Middle School" to 6th graders and "It’s Real: High School" to 9th graders — evidence-based programs designed to teach students how to recognize signs of emotional struggle and seek support.
Throughout the week, students engaged in interactive activities focused on building real-life strengths, identifying trusted adults, and practicing daily self-care strategies such as mindfulness and movement. Group exercises, yoga sessions, and breathing techniques helped reinforce the importance of both mental health maintenance and help-seeking behaviors.
Westfield’s health teacher and Dean of Students, Jake Hitchcock, praised the initiative, sharing:
"This was a great opportunity for the Middle School and High School Students of Westfield Academy & Central School to learn about Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Health Issues. The students learned about these topics through various teaching strategies and were given numerous resources to use both in and out of the classroom, thus opening more avenues for them to obtain assistance if needed. I would highly recommend this presentation to any schools or community organizations that would like additional information and resources regarding these topics".
Chautauqua Tapestry and the Suicide Prevention Alliance are grateful to be part of a school community like Westfield Academy, where wellness is prioritized, strengths are celebrated, and hope is at the center of the conversation. To learn more visit TapestryCHQ.com and PreventSuicideCHQ.com.
