University hosting series of events to mark 2016 Mental Health Week in Canada

As part of its commitment to ensuring a healthy and safe work environment, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) Healthy Workplace Committee is supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association 65^th Annual Mental Health Week from Monday, May 2 to Friday, May 6.

The university will host a series of workshops and events throughout the week featuring compelling internal and external speakers, including the Faculty of Education’s Dr. Jennifer Laffier who will address issues surrounding mental health first aid in the workplace.

Other topics include:

• Boosting your positive outlook
• Coping skills for a healthy and fulfilling life
• Mindfulness
• Reducing parental stress while raising resilient children

The university is also taking the week to encourage faculty and staff, as well as the public, to become Mindsight-certified. Mindsight is a free online educational resource created by Dr. Wendy Stanyon of UOIT’s Faculty of Health Sciences that promotes a better understanding of mental health and helps reduce the stigma of mental illness.

• Mindsight online module link
• Video link: UOIT President Tim McTiernan talks about Mindsight, and Mental Health Awareness Week

Following the keynote address on Friday, May 6 by Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief Research and Development Officer for Workforce Productivity, Morneau Shepell, the week will culminate with the Connecting with Colleagues BBQ. Proceeds will support the Campus Food Centre. 

Quotes:

“Mental health first aid shares many of the same aims as traditional first aid – to preserve life and prevent a problem from becoming more serious. Understanding how to support someone experiencing a mental health problem is an important skill for people in any organizational environment.”
-Dr. Jennifer Laffier, UOIT Faculty of Education

“These events are all about the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s commitment to raising awareness and working together to support our campus family and individuals in our communities who are living with mental health challenges.”
-Dr. Wendy Stanyon, UOIT Faculty of Health Sciences

To schedule an interview with Dr. Jennifer Laffier or Dr. Wendy Stanyon, please contact:
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
289.928.3653 (cell)
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca

Media contact

Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University