Taking Steps Together: (Walk With Me) in Port Alberni

Participants - Pre-Walk Briefing Session

On Thursday, November 28th, 2024, the Port Alberni Community Action Team (CAT) proudly hosted a Walk With Me event, bringing our community together to shine a light on the realities of the toxic drug crisis. Held on a crisp fall morning, the event began with a warm gathering in our briefing session, where participants shared stories, listened, and prepared to embark on a journey of understanding.

The Walk With Me program is more than just a stroll through town. It’s an opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes, fostering empathy and breaking down the stigma surrounding substance use. Guided by heartfelt stories from people with lived and living experience, participants learned about the real challenges faced by those navigating addiction, mental health struggles, and systemic barriers.

In Port Alberni, the toxic drug crisis has touched many lives, and events like this remind us of the power of community. Over coffee and heartfelt conversation, participants—including health service workers, local leaders, and community members—explored what it means to support one another.

Key highlights of the walk included:

• Shared Stories: Participants heard personal accounts from peers, making the statistics real and humanizing the struggles many face.
• Practical Insights: The walk emphasized harm reduction, safe supply, and mental health supports as tangible steps toward change.
• Community Building: The experience was about more than learning—it was about connection and solidarity.

A snapshot of the group during the briefing session shows a mix of faces—some familiar, some new—all united in the desire to understand and act. The energy in the room was hopeful, proving that even in the face of a crisis, there’s a deep well of compassion in our community.

Programs like Walk With Me demonstrate the importance of listening and learning as steps toward meaningful change. As one participant put it, “It’s not just about understanding the issue; it’s about walking forward together.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their voices, and took part in this impactful event. Together, we can make a difference.