Western Health is recognizing Mental Health Week by engaging people to protect and preserve their mental health at home and in their communities. May 1 to 7 is a designated week to celebrate mental health and was created by the Canadian Mental Health Association 60 years ago. The theme of the week “Mental Health for All” represents the right of every Canadian to enjoy and have the best possible mental health. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and how to achieve it in our daily lives.
“Mental Health is more than just an absence of illness,” says Michelle House, Vice-President of Population Health. “Positive mental health involves striking a balance in all aspects of your life. Achieving positive mental health also includes your ability to enjoy life and your ability to bounce back from life’s challenges. Supportive relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers are important to maintaining good mental health.”
To recognize the importance of Mental Health, Western Health is providing support to 26 schools and community groups to hold activities throughout the region. The activities will help participants learn how to achieve positive mental health.
If you are experiencing a difficult time in your life and you need support, contact your local Mental Health & Addiction Services or the Mental Health Crisis Line.
Mental Health & Addiction Services Offices:
Burgeo, 886-1550
Corner Brook, 634-4506/4171
Deer Lake, 635-7830
Norris Point, 458-2381
Port aux Basques, 695-4629
Port Saunders, 861-9125
Stephenville, 643-8740
Mental Health Crisis Line,1-888-737-4668
NL Health Line, 1-888-729-2929
Kids Help Phone,1-800-668-6868
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Media Contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
709-637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca
Backgrounder: Mental Health Week 2011 Activities in Region
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Organizer |
Project Description |
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Burgeo Academy
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The Respect Team paired with k to 6 students will prepare a “ Caught Being Kind” bulletin board to promote anti-bullying |
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Pasadena Elementary
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Troy Bennett will be presenting on positive thinking through Chow Qi Gong. |
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Community Health, Corner Brook
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Providing Community Volunteers from the Winter Wear Giveaway with: |
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Mental Health Promotions Committee & Youth Outreach, St. Paul’s |
Movie night for youth 12+ in St. Paul’s. Youth Outreach Worker will lead a facilitated discussion regarding myths/facts of mental health/illness as depicted in the movie. |
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Community Mental Health Initiative, Corner Brook
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Distributing 500 Hugs for Mental Health at various public locations and scheduled presentations, |
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Community Health, Corner Brook
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Yoga sessions for students and staff at CB Regional High with Mental Health Quiz Booth |
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Golden Meadow 50+, Meadow’s
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Afternoon of relaxation exercises, music and supper |
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St. Peter’s Academy, Benoit’s Cove
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Lunch and Learn presentation by Community Health Nurse for staff at St. Peter’s Academy |
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Long Range Academy, Cow Head
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“Don’t Laugh at Me” song about bullying, |
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Dunfield Park Community Centre, Corner Brook
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Movie and Pizza Night for youth ages 12 to 18. |
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Communities In Schools Site Coordinator, Lark Harbour
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Lunch and Learn presentation Junior and senior high students will prepare a luncheon for parents. Parents will come to the school and students will serve and share the meal together with parents. Displays on Stress, anxiety and mental health issues |
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Mental Health & Addictions, Bonne Bay Health Centre
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Hosting a staff coffee/snack break at Bonne Bay Health Centre using Spin Quest, MH quizzes and a Q&A period for staff to learn about MH issues |
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Employment Preparation Centre, Corner Brook
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Host a “Mental Health for All” stress break open to the general public and invited guests. Individuals will participate in activities to raise awareness of mental health.
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Elwood High, Deer Lake
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Lunch and Learn and will use activity from the Prevention and Promotion Activity Kit. Students will do an activity on self discovery and community. |
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Xavier Junior High School, Deer Lake
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Poster contest “Coping with Stress”. Provide students (Gr. 6, 7, 8, 9) with information on coping with stress and ask students to create a poster showing a positive way to cope with stress. |
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Community Health,
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Community breakfast followed by display and presentation re: mental health issues and available services. |
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Bonne Bay Youth Centre
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Movie and game night with snacks. Games night will include “minute to win it” type of activities |
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Humber Elementary, Corner Brook
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Nutrition break and information sharing regarding MH&A will be displayed and distributed to school staff during a nutrition break. |
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River of Ponds Ladies’ Wellness Group
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Social night at the church basement where ladies will enjoy a few hours of fun and games followed by lunch and fellowship. |
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Community Youth Network, Corner Brook
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Poster/drawing contest at CYN Youth Centre with information posted throughout the youth centre promoting mental health. |
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EA Butler All Grade,
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Boys Wellness Day |
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Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Corner Brook
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Healthy eating and daily physical activity to promote healthy minds. A healthy lifestyle as one aspect of good mental health.
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Community Health, Corner Brook
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Easter Hopathon for Healthy Mind at Presentation Junior High. Students will be encouraged to make laps in the gym and collect mental health tips/incentives in an Easter egg. Students spin the wheel to win a prize. |
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All Saints All Grade School, Grey River
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Family night at the school with lunch, activities and a movie. |
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Bay St. George Community Advisory Committee
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Beginner’s Yoga Class open to the general public. Exercise can be a powerful coping mechanism to deal with life stress. Use physical activity to improve mental health. |
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St. James Regional, Port aux Basques
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Pedometer challenge for staff. Yoga lunch with staff and students (stress management). CMHA Fact Sheet for info sharing. Poster contest |