[posted on behalf of the Community Safety Working Group]
Ongoing court proceedings related to the death of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel may continue to be difficult and upsetting for many members of the community. The judge is expected to deliver his sentencing decision in late August.
Experiencing feelings of sadness, grief, anger, anxiety, confusion or renewed feelings of loss is normal. It is important for community members to care for themselves and one another. Young people may benefit from opportunities to talk about their feelings with trusted adults and supportive peers.
Looking for support? The Perth & District Union Public Library maintains a Community Resources Directory with information about local services and supports, including mental health, counselling, youth and family supports, housing, food security, taxes, crisis services and other community resources. Visit https://www.perthunionlibrary.ca/community-resources/
As the court process continues, please be thoughtful about what you share, post or respond to on social media in order to prevent further harm. Take time to pause, think and evaluate whether your words will be helpful to those grieving this profound loss. Young people are reading these comments, and words shared online can unintentionally cause further harm to youth, families, classmates, and others who are grieving.
The Community Safety Working Group encourages community members to care for themselves and one another during this time. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to create opportunities for open, age-appropriate conversations, listen without judgment, and seek additional support if they notice changes in a young person’s mood, behaviour, or sense of well-being.