Brock University is marking Mental Health Week with a series of events on campus.

The Canada-wide initiative runs from May 1 to 7 and aims to encourage discussions about mental health and draw attention to available supports.

“This is Brock’s second time participating in the week and we’re hoping to build some momentum off of last year,” said Kathryn Walker, the University’s manager of Health Management and Wellness. “This is about showing our commitment and interest in mental health, raising awareness and reducing the stigma.”

Human Resources will be running a variety of activities, including yoga and art therapy, a positive thinking seminar and a fundraising barbecue in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Niagara branch.

The week will also kickstart Brock’s Great Canadian Challenge, which aims to connect physical activity to mental wellness.

Participants in the challenge, held in conjunction with Canada’s 150th birthday, will be asked to keep track of their steps over a two-month period in hopes of collectively walking, running and cycling enough kilometres to span across the country.

Brock’s week of activities will end with a Wellness Walk on Friday, May 5 beginning in the lobby of Schmon Tower at 11:15 a.m.

Walkers are encouraged to wear green to show their support for mental health awareness.

“Hopefully there will be a sea of green,” Walker said, while urging people to participate.

The University, she said, is actively looking for ways to take action and provide support regarding mental health awareness and education.

Brock University’s Mental Health Week events:

Monday, May 1 — The Great Canadian Challenge Launch

Join Brock’s trek across Canada! Participants will accumulate kilometres by walking, cycling or running for the purpose of physical activity, i.e. treadmill, elliptical, track, or use of a Fitbit or pedometer, etc. Record the distance travelled from May 1 to July 1 on the tracking sheet provided and return to wellnessday@brocku.ca at the end of the challenge. As a team, Brock will try to make it across Canada. Registration is required on Focus on Learning.

Tuesday, May 2 — Art Activity Drop In

Participants are invited to explore the therapeutic benefits of colouring during the drop-in program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Mackenzie Chown A-block Room 323. Adult colouring is one of the latest strategies for coping with stress and anxiety.

Wednesday, May 3 — Yoga for Everyone

Learn the basics and benefits of yoga in Brock’s fitness studio from noon to 1 p.m. Participants are asked to dress comfortably and may bring their own yoga mat.

Registration is required on Focus on Learning. Space is limited.

Thursday, May 4 — Shepell Workshop: Boosting Your Positive Outlook

The seminar, from noon to 1 p.m. in Room ST 105, aims to help participants understand the ways in which seemingly automatic negative thinking occurs, recognize its typical manifestations and develop a process for tackling negative thoughts effectively. Registration is required on Focus on Learning.

Friday, May 5 — Wellness Walk and Fundraising Barbecue

Enjoy a Wellness Walk, weather permitting, beginning at 11:15 a.m. in the lobby of the Schmon Tower. The walk will end in Jubilee Court, where a barbecue will be held until 1 p.m. in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Niagara branch.

People are asked to wear green in support of mental health awareness.

The barbecue will include your choice of hamburger, hotdog or veggie burger, served with kettle chips and pop or water for $10. The combo includes a $3 donation to CMHA Niagara to help enhance local resources. Additional donations are also welcome.