Mental Health Awareness Week
Jan 25, 2021 - Jan 29, 2021
Mental Health Awareness Week at Algonquin College, which includes Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 28, runs the week of January 25-29, 2021. We are encouraging conversations about mental health by engaging students with mental health resources and virtual activities that include music, yoga, journaling, hands-on crafts, and discussions that are inspirational, educational, and practical.
Bell Let’s Talk has 4 pillars surrounding mental health: anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace health.
In the lead up to #BellLetsTalk Day on January 28, join students and post-secondary schools across the country in talking openly about mental health. Add your picture and a message about how you’re taking care of your mental health to Algonquin College’s Bell Let’s Talk virtual photo booth.
You can also follow Student Services on Twitter (@algonquinss) for a self-care giveaway taking place on Bell Let’s Talk Day!
This event is presented by Health Services, in partnership with various areas across the College.
Monday, January 25
12pm-1pm • Online Yoga
Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential during this time. To help ease some stress and anxiety, join these weekly online yoga sessions by Health Services that are open to students and employees.
3pm-4pm • How to Assemble a Health Squad
Bring your favourite hot drink and get ready to fill up your cup with this interactive workshop hosted by your Algonquin Students’ Association. Join Clary Chambers for a virtual workshop on how to assemble a health squad – because healing doesn’t have to happen alone!
In this workshop Clary will talk about different types of medical and non-medical support services that you can access to support your mental and physical health (and how to access them when you don’t have any money). This workshop will include a colouring page (for digital or old-fashioned colouring!) and a worksheet so you’ll finish with some hard-copy plans on how to support yourself into 2021 and beyond!
The workshop will run for 60 minutes and will include a 25 minute interactive presentation by Clary.
All ages event. This event is open to Algonquin College students, staff, and alumni.
Tuesday, January 26
6pm-7pm • Positive Affirmation Origami
From students to students: Student Health Promoters will lead this origami session as part of Mental Health Awareness Week! You’ll be writing positive affirmations and things you like about yourself on these folded creations.
What you’ll need:
- Sheets of paper, either all white, coloured, or a mix of both
- Sharpies or coloured markers
- Scissors
What you’ll be making (download the PDF for instructions):
- Dog
- Fox
- Butterfly
- Heart
- Bird 1
- Bird 2
- Rose
- Tadpole
- Pig
- Koala
- Paper Cup
- Boat Hat
- Fish
- Star
Open to all Algonquin College students.
Wednesday, January 27
11am-12pm • Resiliency Skills for Students with Dr. Farrell
Dr. Susan Farrell from The Royal Ottawa will be sharing resiliency skills that students can use at school, at work, and in their daily lives. Open to Algonquin College students and employees.
2pm-3pm • Worry Doll Workshop (Residence Students)
Connect with other students in Residence for this fun Zoom workshop on managing anxiety while creating your own worry doll. This is a wonderful opportunity to be creative, meet other students, and learn new coping skills.
Thursday, January 28 (Bell Let’s Talk Day)
11am-12pm • Visual Journaling for Creative Self-Discovery and Resilience Workshop
At this event, in partnership with the AC Hub, follow Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Halyna Polityka in this virtual, hands-on, strengths-based, art therapy workshop. Materials will be provided to you (for free!) in advance. In addition to the journaling, you will hear from Halyna on self-discovery and self-care. Register by Monday, January 18, to receive the craft materials, which will be shipped to you (must live in Canada). Open to current students at Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke campuses.
Please note, registration has closed for this event.
12pm-1pm • Building Resilience through Self-care
Join Dr. Jennifer Thake, a Registered Psychotherapist, as she talks about self-care and resilience. Learn about common challenges, such as putting yourself last, setting too high expectations for yourself, thinking happiness is around the corner, and critical self talk. Join us if you struggle with low mood, anxiety, self-esteem, or if you just want to learn how to incorporate self-care strategies into your everyday life.
1pm-2pm • Bell Let’s Talk: A Conversation with Serena Ryder
Join your Algonquin Students’ Association for a conversation with singer-songwriter Serena Ryder. Tune in to watch as she plays a few songs and shares her struggles with mental health. This event is brought to you in partnership with the Algonquin Students’ Association, St. Clair College, and La Cité. This is an all ages event that is open to Algonquin College students, employees, and alumni.
Friday, January 29
11:30am-12:30pm • Resilience in the Face of Adversity with AC Grad Caroline Marchand
Join Caroline Marchand — a graduate of Algonquin College’s Television Broadcasting program and a current Associate Director at CBC Television — as she gives an inspiring talk on resilience. Caroline will discuss how she persevered after suffering a serious brain injury and how you can apply some of the lessons she learned to your own life. Open to all Algonquin College students, alumni, and employees.
Event Location
- Remote (Online Event)
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