Fleming College

Lindsay ON – (October 2, 2018) – Fleming College’s Frost Campus is aiming to reduce the stigma around mental illness through an upcoming event at the campus.

Hosted by the Frost Mental Health Initiative Team, the ‘Stomp Out Stigma’ event for Mental Illness Awareness Week invites students and staff to join in the conversation around mental health.

Stomp Out Stigma will take place on Thursday, October 4 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on the Auk’s Lodge Patio. The event features guest speaker Alec Denys as well as a free barbecue and musical performances from Fleming faculty member Joanna Hodge. Students and staff will kick up their boots with Robin Nesbit, Coordinator of Recreation Services at the Lindsay Recreation Complex, who will lead participants through a line dance to Blake Shelton’s, Footloose.

Frost Campus will also host its annual Health Fair during Stomp Out Stigma. Students and staff can connect with a variety of agencies that will be on site to discuss their resources and support. Participating agencies include Canadian Mental Health Association, Ross Memorial Hospital Outpatient Program, Fourcast, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR), John Howard Society, Women’s Resources, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, PARN, Ontario Provincial Police, Kawartha Lakes Police Service and Cam’s Kids.

“This event is a great kick off to a new academic year, and helps set the tone and climate for an inclusive and supportive campus,” said Melissa McQuaid, Fleming College Counsellor and Frost Mental Health Initiative team member. “My hope is that this event invites an open and honest conversation about mental illness and thereby reduces stigma. It is important to understand that we can all make a difference including how we support and reach out to each other. Knowing how to help a friend and being aware of all the great resources in our community is a great start. The community partnerships we have with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kawartha Lakes Police Service and the HKPR Health Unit further help to make these initiatives such a huge success.”

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366