Many mental well-being activities culminating with Mental Health Awareness Week were held at Espanola High School.
School vice-principal, Susan Kett, says that would not have been possible without the $1,750 in funding provided by the Sudbury Wolves/United Way organization.
Kett says the activities were intended to encourage students to feel comfortable accessing the supports that are available to them at the school and in the community and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
The programming will continue in the upcoming school year.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, at lunch, students visited information booths provided by community partners such as the Child and Family Centre, Espanola Police Services, Manitoulin Family Resources, Canadian Mental Health Association, Cambrian College, TG Innerselves, Northern Dragons Martial Arts, and local Yoga instructors.
As well, lunch hour activities for students included theme days, courtyard games, lunch and learn sessions, Conscious Ink Tattoo sessions (temporary tattoos with motivational and inspirational messages), and an Expressive Art Project.
The Child and Family Centre presented its “Safe Talk” certification program and local yoga instructors provided a “Create the Life You Want” session incorporating yoga, meditation, and art journaling. Espanola High School was able to schedule these special activities for the school community with support from local partners: Winkel’s Your Independent Grocer; Espanola Tim Hortons; Giant Tiger, and generous funding from Wolves/United.