Kevin Hines summed up last night’s message with one word. Hope.

Just over 90 people showed up to the Sheraton hotel in Red Deer to hear some inspiring words from the suicide survivor and activist.

At the age of 19, two years after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he tried ending his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Not only did he survive, Hines has become an advocate for mental health, devoting his time to spreading the message of hope and perseverance.

He said the most rewarding part of his work, is knowing he’s made a difference.

“One woman came up and said, ‘you gave me a lot of closure in losing my son to suicide.’ Another woman came up and told me her story of attempting suicide in a very severe way and she survived.”

“She told me her story, which she doesn’t tell people very often. That’s very special.”

He is 1 of 34 to survive the fall off the Golden Gate Bridge and the only one to regain full physical mobility.

Dawne Adkins, Suicide Information and Education Services, co-organized the event and said it was an honour having Hines speak.

“For us to have Kevin come and spread the message of hope was really valuable given his lived experience and the fact that he was so willing to share it and encourage people to reach out and ask for help.”

“It’s really valuable and needs to be heard.”

In 2016, Hines received the Clifford W. Beers Award from Mental Health America recognizing his efforts to improve the lives and attitudes of those who suffer with mental illness.

For more information on Suicide Information and Education Services, they can be reached at 403-342-4966.

For 24-hour help you can call 1-877-303-2642.