Pearl Lorentzen
Lakeside Leader

Sarah Lamouche and her husband (Devin Bellerose) have nine children between the two of them. Lamouche has has taken on the role of AHS Community Helper in Slave Lake.

Community Helpers is a youth suicide prevention program which trains community members to come along side young people who are struggling.

“I love working with youth,” says Lamouche. “I know that some of the hardest times in our lives is our teenage years.”

Lamouche is a member of Bigstone Cree Nation, but grew up and has lived her entire life in Slave Lake. For much of her adult life, she was a stay-at-home mom.

When Lamouche re-entered the workforce a few years ago, she worked at the Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre for a few years as an administrative assistant. For the last two, she’s worked at Fix Coffee Bar and Bakery.

“Community Helpers has always had a special place in my heart,” says Lamouche.

In Slave Lake, Community Helpers is based at the Friendship Centre.

When Lamouche was at the Friendship Centre before, she helped out the Community Helpers coordinator.

Also, her husband, Bellerose, was the previous coordinator. He focused on training up professionals.

“I want to focus my energy on the youth,” says Lamouche.

She’s also interested in connecting Indigenous youth with elders.

The suicide rate is higher among Indigenous people, she says, but Community Helpers is “all inclusive to everyone.”

The program identifies youth and adults who people trust and are willing to talk to.

“I am a natural helper,” says Lamouche. “People just feel inclined to talk to me.”

Once helpers are identified, the program offers training on mental health supports, self-care, suicide prevention, and other information. This can be done in a three-hour, one-topic session, one day, or all of the topics over the course of several months.

“I can adjust it to what works for you,” says Lamouche.

Lamouche and Bellerose plan to lead the first few workshops together.