Stop by the Student Centre Commons from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, to join the national conversation on mental health.

Meet with representatives from Student Health, Counselling & Wellness Services; the Canadian Mental Health Association; the Employee Mental Health Strategy Implementation Working Group; and Lancer Recreation to learn more about mental health and wellness resources available to students and employees. While you are there, pick up some free swag, leave a message of hope on the Wall of Words, and take some time to de-stress with colouring pages and bookmarks.

Continue the conversation with the residence team in Vanier Hall from 5 to 7 p.m., where you can pick up swag items and write messages of hope and care to the campus community. Messages will later be posted on the windows of the Crocodile Grill.

Mental health is a conversation that matters all year round, says Katie Chauvin, mental health and wellness co-ordinator.

“We have teams and resources dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of our campus community throughout the year: from outreach and awareness initiatives to counselling and direct supports, to wide-reaching institutional advancements like our Student and Employee Mental Health Strategies,” Chauvin says.

“We are committed to turning conversations into meaningful action.”

She emphasizes that there are many free, confidential resources available, including several off-campus services that are available 24/7, and encourages anyone in need of support to reach out to someone who can help.

A list of campus and community resources can be found on the Student Health, Counselling and Wellness Services website. A list of resources available to UWindsor employees can be accessed on the Employee Mental Health Strategy website and the Human Resources website.

Anyone interested in learning more about how to promote mental health awareness can access the digital toolkit here.