It’s called the Kindness Project and the initiative is being launched locally during the 73rd annual Mental Health Week.
The Canadian Mental Health Association North Bay and District says the idea is to encourage people to offer up acts of kindness towards one another.
“Giving, receiving, or observing acts of kindness is proven to support and maintain our mental health, which is part of our overall health and well-being,” says Mary Davis, CEO of CMHA North Bay and District. “Let’s celebrate the kind things people are out there doing every day for others, the community and themselves.”
She adds research shows compassion can:
– Increase feelings of happiness
– Be soothing and calming
– Increase trust and connection
– Improve emotional resilience
– Ease depression
“In times like these, when Canadians face worrying levels of stress and anxiety – heightened by issues such as social inequality, affordability, political divisiveness, and the climate crisis – kindness is more relevant than ever,” says Davis.
Several events are lined up for CMHA Mental Health Week (May 6-12) including a flag raising on Monday, Zumba event on Tuesday, and an education day for health and human services professionals on Wednesday.
Pet therapy services are the focus on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting and BBQ lunch on Friday at CMHA’s new Peer Connections and Support Services location at 194 Main St. West.
CLICK HERE for all the details on the week’s events.
