Brock employees are being called upon to make kindness matter as part of this year’s Mental Health Week activities.

The week will be celebrated from Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 10, with a series of wellness activities that encourage people to explore how compassion connects us all.

Hosted by Brock’s Health Management and Wellness team, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the weeklong schedule of lunchtime events is intended to promote relaxation while encouraging employees to connect with each other in a workplace setting.

Colleagues will have the chance to come together at the annual barbecue luncheon in the DeCew Residence Dining Hall on Tuesday, May 7 at noon. Hosted in partnership with Aramark, a portion of the proceeds of each $15 ticket sold will be donated to the CMHA — Niagara branch. Employees must RSVP through ExperienceBU before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, and payment will be made in cash at the event.

The lunch is part of a broader calendar of events that includes workshops on Considered Communications and Strategies to Prevent Burnout and Secondary Trauma, a guided tour of plants on campus that make great garden additions and yoga in the cherry blossoms.

A recent study by the CMHA and Maru/Matchbox found that 92 per cent of Canadians identify themselves to be compassionate. Evidence also suggests that giving and receiving compassion and allowing oneself to experience self-compassion are all beneficial to mental health.

In addition to attending events throughout the week, employees are encouraged to share random acts of kindness notes on the chalkboard wall across from the Brock Card office in Thistle Complex.

To register for a Mental Health Week activity or to stay up to date on all employee Health, Safety and Wellness events, visit ExperienceBU.