William Dale – Local Journalism Initiative
Published online November 4, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
FORT-COULONGE — More than 25 community members gathered at Cinéma Lyn in Fort-Coulonge on October 27 for an evening dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention. Hosted by AutonHomme Pontiac, the free movie night featured a screening of A Man Called Otto, complete with complimentary popcorn and drinks for all attendees.
Organizers expressed a special thanks to Sandra Fortin for her work in making the evening possible. During the event, attendee Kelly Goyette was named the prize winner at the Beacon Network (Réseau d’Éclaireurs) booth, taking home a custom hat and gift card.
The movie selection—starring Tom Hanks as a grieving, isolated widower—was chosen deliberately following a review of films that examine themes of grief, loneliness, and human connection.
“We do a program each year for suicide prevention,” explained Kim Laroche, trainer and community worker with AutonHomme Pontiac. “We went through a list of movies that talked about resilience, mental health, and suicide… and selected one suitable for the public.”
Beyond offering a night at the cinema, the gathering served as an entry point for community education on recognizing subtle signs of psychological distress and knowing how to offer support.
During the event, Laroche highlighted AutonHomme Pontiac’s ongoing community training initiatives, including the 8-hour Formation Sentinelle (Sentinel Training). The program is designed for everyday community members to learn how to spot early warning signs of distress, ask the right questions, and guide vulnerable individuals toward proper regional resources.
“It’s giving you tips on how to figure out when someone is not doing fine, to pick up on those subtle signs,” Laroche said. “It’s a way to be out there, build awareness, and break the isolation.”
The initiative ties into broader regional efforts, including the Réseau d’Éclaireurs (Beacon Network), which trains local residents to act as natural eyes and ears within the Pontiac, fostering empathetic listening and sharing mental health tools.
