Winter Thrive Week activities promote positive mental health on Laurier campuses

Wilfrid Laurier University’s wellness education coordinators are growing awareness about student mental health one Thrive Week at a time.

Laurier’s sixth Thrive Week – taking place Jan. 26 to 31 – will feature events and activities to foster positive mental health and create awareness about supports for mental health. Winter Thrive Week events take place at Laurier’s Brantford and Waterloo campuses.

“This Thrive Week is focused on creating awareness for the diversity of mental health supports available on Laurier's campuses and in the community so we can help students find what works best for them,” says Nathan Reeve, wellness education coordinator at Laurier’s Waterloo campus. “Everyone is unique and requires unique support.”

Thrive Week is held at Laurier each fall and winter term. This year’s Winter Thrive Week features a mix of new and returning activities and events. All are free to attend and registration is not required.

Waterloo Campus: Featured Events

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It Mental Health Resource Fair

Unsure how to access campus and community mental health resources? Stop by the Let’s Taco ‘Bout It Mental Health Resource Fair on Jan. 27 in the Concourse between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Enjoy a free taco while learning more about the variety of mental health resources and supports available at the Waterloo campus and within Waterloo Region.

Careers in Mental Health Panel

Considering a career in the mental health field? Plan to attend this panel presentation about career options on Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Career Centre.

Mindfulness Care Package Giveaways

Watch for peer wellness educators handing out mindfulness care packages around campus on Jan. 30. (Hint: look for Golden Hawks in black Laurier sweaters.)

Activities including yoga and group exercise classes, “Connecting Over Cocoa” and a make-your-own trail mix session are also taking place during Thrive Week. Check out the full schedule of Thrive Week activities and events happening at Laurier’s Waterloo campus.

Brantford Campus Events

Paint Your Own Mason Jar

Join Rasha from the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant on Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Grand River Hall, room 206 and socialize while painting (and filling!) a mason jar with positive affirmations. Bring a friend or two; everyone is welcome and snacks are provided.

Trivia Night

Test your knowledge about consent and sexual wellness on Jan. 29 fro 7 to 9 p.m. at Hudson Public (93 Dalhousie St.). Prizes available!

Paint and Pot Your Own Plant

Plants contribute to well-being in so many ways. Pop by the Research and Academic Centre West Lobby Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and paint a terracotta pot for a succulent to take home and display in your space. 

Thriving Throughout the Term

The spirit of Thrive Week will be alive throughout the winter term at Laurier’s Brantford campus with workshops dedicated to each of the seven dimensions of wellness. Attend each workshop or complete the related reflective exercise to have your wellness passport stamped and entered into a prize draw. Pick up wellness passports in the Research and Academic Centre Lobby on Jan. 29 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Students can also register for Wellness Centre workshops about a variety of topics related to mental health and wellness that are offered throughout the winter term.

Bell’s Let’s Talk Day: Jan. 29

Thrive Week aligns with Bell Canada’s annual Let’s Talk Day initiative, which invites Canadians to join the conversation about mental health. On Jan. 29, take part in the following ways:

• Waterloo, Paul Martin Centre, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Keynote talk, "Ryan Martin's Ride for Mental Health": Ryan Martin (BBA '16) will share his journey with mental health and how, over the past eight years, he is learning to take control. It's an honest story of vulnerability, resilience and acceptance.
• Waterloo, Paul Martin Centre, 7 to 10 p.m.: Attend the Speak Up event led by student club Bridging the Gap. Speak Up is a safe space for students to share their mental health experiences or listen to support others.
• Brantford, Research and Academic Centre Lobby, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Visit the Peer Wellness Education team for your chance to win a Bell Let’s Talk toque! Fill out a speech bubble and snap a selfie to help open up the conversation about mental health.
• Brantford, CB100, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Golden Rules module #1, "Perseverance, Persistence, Grit and Creating Habits," helps you move from surviving to thriving at university by building resiliency. This is one of five different modules available in the winter term. Earn credit for BF290 or your Laurier Experience Record.

For more information about Thrive Week or wellness education initiatives at Laurier, visit the Wellness section of the student website.