Local Singer/Songwriter Robb Nash was recognized for his work in schools and prisons by being named one of Washington Posts 11 most inspiring people of 2016.

Nash travels around North America performing in schools and prisons and talking about suicide. He says he just wants to share his own story of depression to show people that they are not alone. He notes earlier this year he tattooed many names of students who handed him their suicide notes onto his arm which got a lot more attention than he had anticipated.

“I have tattooed 120, I wanted to fill this first arm and I wanted to just be able to show kids that I remember what that felt like, not wanting to be alive and I felt so alone with those thoughts. I wanted to fill this arm just so I could show kids you're not alone, all of these kids once had those same thoughts and they are still here today.”

Nash says in total 613 students have given him their suicide notes and even more have sent them photos of ripped up notes after their shows. He says the recognition from the Washington Post was an exciting surprise and an honour.

“I don't really feel like we are doing anything that crazy. We're just following the promptings that we have in our hearts, so when I find out that we are listed as the top eleven most inspiring people, I hope there are more people doing greater things than we are doing out there.”

Nash says hopefully they can use the extra attention to reach out to more people and share more stories.