Balance & Connection: Sutherland Campus hosting Mental Illness Awareness Week
Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus will host Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 3-7 with a theme of “Balance and Connection.”
“Our aim is to bring positive attention to mental illness in hopes that it will reduce the stigma and let those who struggle know that Fleming cares and supports them. This week’s events also assume a proactive approach by highlighting the importance of balance and connection in minimizing and/or managing the symptoms of mental illness,” says Anita Arnold, Fleming College Counsellor and member of Fleming’s Mental Health Initiative Committee.
The week will kick off on Monday, Oct. 3 with a keynote address from TED Talk speaker Dr. Ivan Joseph, an award winning coach, educator, mentor and director of Ryerson Athletics. He will speak to the importance of belief in oneself despite life’s set-backs, forming connections with others who support you, and building upon your success not your failure. The talk will take place at 11 a.m. in the Library.
Activities throughout the week will also include participation from students. Massage Therapy students will provide free massages on Tuesday, Oct. 4 and students from the Fitness and Health Promotion program will provide fitness demonstrations on Thursday, Oct. 6.
Here is the full list of events and activities:
- Monday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Library – Keynote speaker Dr. Ivan Joseph; Main Foyer – photo booth, free popcorn
- Tuesday: Noon to 3 p.m., Main Foyer – Free massages, sleep centre, string duet, free apple cider from Drumoland Orchards and Stables
- Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Main Foyer – Community Support Fair, therapy dogs, Aboriginal drumming and crafts, free cookies and draw prizes
- Thursday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Foyer – Exercise bikes will be set up with prizes for the top riders, four 15-minute demonstration fitness classes offered through the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, promotion of intramural sports and a free draw
- Friday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Foyer – A comfy corner with a collection of funny YouTube videos, freezies and painting
Mental Illness Awareness Week is hosted by Fleming’s Mental Health Initiative Committee and Student Administrative Council. The committee is made up of faculty, staff and students committed to generating awareness of mental health issues. The committee also organizes activities to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the college community.