Learn about the power of connection at TMU’s Wellbeing Week

The third annual Wellbeing Week will take place from Oct. 7-11. 

This year’s theme is “The Power of Connection.” Throughout the week, students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in a series of events and activities designed to help foster deeper connections within the campus community. You can find more information about Wellbeing Week events, and check out the schedule and additional resources on the Community Wellbeing website.

“After the significant isolation we’ve all experienced over the past few years, the pandemic has shown us just how important our relationships and social networks are for our mental health and overall well-being,” says Kayla Persaud, the new campus mental health specialist. 

“It’s so important for students, faculty and staff to feel comfortable reaching out for support and engaging in proactive mental health practices. This theme is a reminder that we don't have to navigate these challenges alone. By building connections, we not only support each other’s well-being but also create a stronger community that can face mental health challenges together. It’s about building a space where everyone feels connected, understood and valued.” 

In partnership with the Office of the Vice President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), Human Resources and Student Wellbeing, Persaud and partners have organized a variety of virtual and in-person events for Wellbeing Week—some specifically for students, some for staff and faculty, and others that bring everyone together. 

“It’s been a collaborative effort with many campus partners, and I’m really excited about what we’re creating,” she says. “Our goal is to raise awareness about the programs and supports available while encouraging everyone to engage with their own mental health and well-being.”

Persaud encourages the entire community to come check out the events throughout the week. 

“Think about starting with something that feels comfortable for you—maybe just coming to listen or attending with a friend. Every little step counts, whether you’re showing up, engaging in conversation, or simply observing.”

Here are some of the events to look out for during Wellbeing Week:

Mental Health Research Panel
October 7, 2024 
12 - 1 p.m.  

Leading experts from diverse fields will discuss mental health research across various communities. From understanding the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ populations, workplace well-being, addiction interventions, to the mental health of health-care professionals, our panellists will offer insights on their research and discuss key trends in mental health today.

Panellists include: Trevor Hart, Ellen Choi, Rosanra Yoon and Sarah Dermody.

Keynote Speaker: Asante Haughton
October 8, 2024 
12 - 1 p.m.

Asante Haughton is a lot of things—entrepreneur, activist, organizer, speaker, writer, poet and mental health worker. His accomplishments include two TEDx talks and being named as one of Canada's top 150 influencers in mental health. Most notably, he co-founded the Reach Out Response Network. It’s an organization whose advocacy directly paved the way to the Toronto Community Crisis Service, a new emergency service that supports folks in mental health crisis with mobile crisis teams instead of police officers. In his day job, Asante is the manager of storytelling at Unsinkable, a mental health organization that amplifies stories for the purpose of awareness and change.

SafeTALK Training
October 7, 2024 
5 - 9 p.m. for 2SLGBTQIA+ TMU students, faculty and staff
October 11, 2024
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. for TMU students - $30 per attendee

Learn how to identify, engage and connect people who have thoughts of suicide. Apply the TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe) steps to connect a person with thoughts of suicide to a suicide first-aid intervention caregiver.

Nourish to Flourish
October 9 - 11, 2024
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. SLC 4th Floor

Free breakfast for students during midterms. This event will focus on helping students de-stress with food and wellness resources.

Box & Circle Teaching
October 9, 2024 
2 - 5 p.m.

The teachings and the model of the Box and the Circle have been used globally by professionals seeking to create ways to address colonization and its continuing harmful interaction with Indigenous Nations and cultures. 

Participants are invited to learn cultural knowledge, the impacts of colonization on the daily lives of Indigenous Peoples, and ways to support critical work to advance anti-oppressive, inclusive practice. The workshop explores the effects of Residential Schools and Canada’s Policy of Assimilation and how we can work together to impact meaningful change.

This event is hosted by Rebirthed Teachings, Indigenous Initiatives, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI). The session will be led by Amy Desjarlais, James Mckay and Ruhdra Persad.

Diverse Experiences in Menopause
October 10, 2024
12 - 1 p.m.

Hosted by Human Resources, this is an insightful and empowering panel discussion that sheds light on the diverse experiences of menopause across different communities. Our four panellists will discuss  the unique ways menopause has impacted their lives and work. Through open dialogue, they will challenge the stigma around discussing menopause in the workplace, fostering a culture of support, understanding and inclusivity. Whether you're personally experiencing menopause or seeking to learn more, this conversation aims to break down barriers and create a more compassionate environment for everyone.

This event is hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services, Human Resources. The panel will be moderated by Jennifer Alefounder, Director, Workplace Wellbeing Services. 

Embodied Learning in Uncertain Times
October 10, 2024 
2 - 4:30 p.m.

This event is a powerful exploration of how nervous system regulation, somatic awareness and embodied learning can support us during times of global instability, helping us to reconnect with ourselves and each other in meaningful ways. In a period marked by increasing geopolitical tensions and conflict, the body can become a site of stress and trauma, as well as empowerment.

Danielle Smith will offer insights into how embodied learning can be a pathway to healing and empowerment. Participants will be invited to delve into practices that connect the mind and body and foster a deeper awareness of how global events impact our physical and emotional state. These practices help cultivate a greater sense of nervous system responses, regulatory flexibility, and autonomy, and help us care for ourselves and each other.

This event is hosted by the OVPECI in collaboration with Community Wellbeing and Athletics and Recreation.

For the full list of events on campus for Wellbeing Week, visit the Wellbeing Week website. The website also includes a list of well-being resources available to community members, both on and off campus. 

Interested in highlighting your event during Wellbeing Week? Contact Kayla Persaud.