Wellness & Abilities

National Mental Health Awareness Week: May 1-May 7 

Today kicks off Canada’s 72nd annual Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), from May 1 to May 7. This year’s theme is #MyStory — an opportunity to share your story to build stronger connections and community and reduce the stigma around mental health while bolstering the supports available for mental health across Canada.

For MHAW, the Canadian Mental Health Association is focused on using storytelling as a tool to advocate for the mental health care that we all need. Share your story using the hashtag #MyStory to be a part of the conversation.

Algonquin College employees are encouraged to check out the Mental Health Week Calendar for information on mental health and wellness activities happening at the Ottawa Campus and virtually from May 1 to May 5. Learners can also focus on their mental wellness by taking part in information sessions and activities to prepare themselves for the spring term and learn important tools for stress management, mental wellness and resiliency.

Learners and employees can also revisit the events of Algonquin College’s past Mental Health Awareness Week, Jan. 23 to Jan. 27, to learn from prominent Canadian mental health experts about tools for coping with anxiety and depression in the classroom.

For learners in need of mental health support throughout the year, please reach out to Student Support Services. In addition, a number of helpful apps and online tools can be found on the Counselling website.

Employees in need of mental health support can a find detailed list of supports provided by the Wellness and Abilities team and are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources. Employees may also wish to connect with LifeWorks, the AC Employee Family Assistance Program. Several helpful apps and online tools can also be found on the Counselling website.

Free menstrual products now available in AC’s Ottawa Campus washrooms

Algonquin College has recently partnered with Aunt Flow to begin offering free period products in the Ottawa Campus washrooms. Aunt Flow dispensers are stocked with organic cotton tampons and pads to ensure that menstruators never have to miss out on activities or classes due to their period or need to sacrifice something else within their budget to afford menstrual products. 

Photo of Aunt Flow dispensers in Algonquin College washroom. Dispenser is silver and has two small signs that read "free".

Aunt Flow dispenser in AC washroom.

According to statistics referenced by both the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario, 63 per cent of those who menstruate had concerns about not being able to access either menstrual products or proper sanitation facilities, and 34 per cent had faced budget/affordability issues.

AC believes in creating an accessible and equitable environment; if toilet paper and soap are freely accessible, period products should be too. Aunt Flow period products, serviced by Citron Hygiene, are 100 per cent organic cotton, chemical free, sustainably made and ensure the needs of the entire College community are met.

Aunt Flow is a brand focused on changing how periods are perceived, shedding the stigma and making period products available for free to all menstruators in away-from-home washrooms. For every 10 products purchased, Aunt Flow donates one to a menstruator in need.

Looking for products? Dispensers are located in 43 washrooms across campus; find the machine nearest to you here. Remember there is limited supply, and while best efforts will be made to keep them fully stocked, the Colleges asks to please only take what you need, when you need it.

Massage Therapy learners bring welcome respite to CHEO health care workers

A student gives a back massage to a CHEO employeeHealth care workers at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) are delighted with a new work-integrated learning partnership with Algonquin College. Learners in the Massage Therapy program are participating in an outreach program where workers can sign-up for a 30-minute massage throughout the winter term. With the recent surge in children’s health care needs, hospital administration wanted to provide massage therapy opportunities for staff as part of their wellness package and as a way to say thank you.

To prepare for careers as massage therapists, learners complete 330 hours of direct client massage. While the program has worked with hospital patients in previous outreach programs, this is the first time they are providing massage therapy care specifically for health care workers.

“An administrator from CHEO reached out to [Dean] Jane Trakalo’s office asking if massage students would be able to come and give front line health care workers massages on their breaks,” said Sandra McCormick, the College’s Chair, Wellness Research and Innovation. “We often have requests from organizations to come and provide massage to their employees and it’s usually a one-time occurrence, but it worked out this time for the duration of the winter term.”

The outreach program at CHEO started on Jan. 26, which coincided with Bell Let’s Talk Day. Each massage takes place after an initial intake and assessment, where clients identify areas they would like the learners to target.
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