As part of its continued efforts to support students’ well-being, Brock University is hosting a series of events for Mental Illness Awareness Week.

The national public education campaign, running from Oct. 1 to 7, is designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness.

At Brock, events will be held at both the main campus and Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines.

“These events make visible the range of mental health supports available to students on campus,” said Sarah Pennisi, Director of the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre. “We offer ways for students to manage stress before they become overwhelmed, but we also have high-quality services available when things get urgent.”

The hope, she said, is that next week’s events demonstrate the different partnerships that exist to support students’ mental health.

“Partnerships reflect Brock’s commitment, across and throughout the organization, to student success,” Pennisi said. “We want these events to make it easier for students to recognize that mental health concerns happen for everyone and that reaching out for help is OK.”

To learn more about the many mental health resources available at Brock, visit brockmentalhealth.ca or brocku.ca/swac.

Information on additional support services for students is also available at brockmystudentsupport.com

Mental Illness Awareness Week schedule

Tuesday, Oct. 2:
Get the Health Outside. Meet in front of the Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock statue at noon for a 40-minute outdoor walk. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

Wednesday, Oct. 3:
The popular Puppy Room returns to the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

An afternoon drop-in gaming session will be held in the Kenmore Lounge, in the Kenmore Centre behind Campus Security, from 2 to 4 p.m. Students are encouraged to drop by to play gaming consoles, table tennis and board games, or to enjoy a snack and a chat.

Thursday, Oct. 4:
SafeTALK training takes place in ST 103 from 9 a.m. to noon. The half-day session prepares participants, regardless of prior experience or training, to become suicide-alert helpers. Most people with thoughts of suicide, through their words and actions, invite help to stay alive. SafeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources. More information is available on ExperienceBU.

Relaxation skills workshop from 1 to 2 p.m. in PL 411. Participants will learn techniques to help manage stress and anxiety. More information is available on ExperienceBU.

Question, Persuade and Refer, a one-hour suicide prevention training program, will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in ST 103. The program teaches participants how to recognize warning signs of suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

Free mini massage in the upper level of Isaac’s from 1:15 to 5 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 5:
A pop-up knitting group will be held from 11 a.m. to noon in the Brock General Store.