The Canadian Mental Health Association is emphasizing the power of human connection next week.
Officials say that’s the focus for the 75th annual Mental Health Week, noting loneliness is now recognized as a pressing public health issue.
CMHA North Bay and District and more than a dozen service providers are hosting ‘Come Together, North Bay’ with events that amplify mental health awareness, shift public perceptions, and showcase the role agencies play in fostering a connected, supportive community.
“Strong connections in our lives are more important than we might realize, and easier to find than we might think,” says Mary Davis, CEO of CMHA North Bay and District. “Research shows us that connection leads to greater mental and physical health, greater safety and resilience, increased prosperity, and even longer life expectancies.”
Davis says that connection can be as simple as sharing a meal with someone you love, calling an old friend out of the blue, or even exchanging a few kind words with a stranger.
“These moments of connection happen all around us, every day, and they all matter,” she says.
Mental Health Week runs May 4-10 with several events on the go:
Monday, May 4
Come Together, North Bay Flag-Raising and Launch
10 a.m. – City Hall (Ledger Square)
Movie Matinee (free popcorn, treats and a movie in the lounge)
1 – 3 p.m. – AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area, 147 McIntyre St. West (Suite 102)
Tuesday, May 5
Mattawa Community BBQ (Free)
12 – 1:30 p.m. – Mattawa Peer Support Centre, 150 Water St. (Medical Building)
Cultivating Connection (Seeds of Hope project and fun activities)
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. – HANDS, 391 Oak St. East
Wednesday, May 6
Connecting to King Street (Open House NBRHC King Street location)
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – 120 King St. West
Pow Wow Fitness Class
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Canadore Sports Dome, 60 Commerce Cres.
Thursday, May 7
Family Wellness Yoga
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – 140 Elmwood Ave.
Friday, May 8
Connected Steps (urban walk)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Fraser + Main St. West
Register in advance by e-mailing John.Davis@canadorecollege.ca
Community Connection BBQ
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Regis Sq. (parkette at Fraser + Main St. West)
Enjoy a free BBQ lunch+ beats by DJ ILL7.
