Bell Let’s Talk Day is on Wednesday, January 26 and this year’s campaign is highlighting the ways that individuals can support themselves and those they care about through actions like listening, being there and talking.
To mark the day, Niagara College is offering activities for students that focus on mental health and wellness and provide opportunities for social connection.
Peer Wellness Program initiatives from HWAS
The Peer Wellness Program, offered through NC’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services (HWAS), is offering three opportunities for students on Jan. 26 for Bell Let’s Talk Day.
“Our Wellness Peers are looking forward to connecting with students on Bell Let’s Talk Day to chat, listen and offer support to their fellow peers,” said Tessa Alexander, NC’s Peer Wellness Program Coordinator. “It’s important for students to know that they are not alone and that there is someone in their corner who is willing to help.”
Activities will encourage peer-to-peer conversations around mental wellness, provide students the chance to learn about self-care and quiz students on their knowledge when they are called upon by friends to lend a listening ear.
Virtual Wellness Peer Support Session
Students are encouraged to connect with NC’s Wellness Peers through a virtual Wellness Peer Support session on Bell Let’s Talk Day. Appointment times are available on January 26 between 8:30 – 11 a.m. – students can book their 30-minute session through the peer support online form.
The sessions offer support to students who may be feeling overwhelmed with college life and who are looking for someone to talk to about their worries. Topics can include budgeting, exercise motivation, nutrition, academic challenges, roommate conflict or acclimating to college life. Through the sessions, Wellness Peers can also help connect students with the right resources on campus and help students in making a self-care or wellness plan.
Can’t attend on Jan. 26? Regular Wellness Peer Support sessions are offered weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and can be booked online at any time.
College can be stressful, but worries can be managed when you have the right support. Feeling worried? Looking for support? Try connecting with our wellness peers virtually.
For more information, or to book a session visit ⤵️t.co/o3f5kspxrK pic.twitter.com/JVxQE15JJ5
— Niagara College (@niagaracollege) January 20, 2022
Virtual Self-Care Workshop for Bell Let’s Talk Day
Students are invited to join NC’s Wellness Peers for a virtual self-care workshop on Jan. 26 at 11:30 a.m. to create a Kindness Box in honour of Bell Let’s Talk Day.
Need some inspiration for self-love? Join NC’s Wellness Peers for a virtual self-care workshop on January 26 at 11:30 a.m. via MS Teams. During the workshop, students will create a Kindness Box to practice and learn about self-compassion. Please bring three pieces of paper, scissors, tape and a pen. For more information or to register, visit: niagaracollege.ca/hwas/workshops/. Once registered, students will be emailed a link to join the workshop.
Bell Let’s Talk Day Virtual Wellness Trivia
Students are invited to join NC’s Wellness Peers for a live virtual trivia game on January 26 at 2 p.m. to test their knowledge and skills related to supporting others who may be struggling. Students with the top three scores will win a swag bag. Register for the event by visiting niagaracollege.ca/hwas/workshops/ – once registered, students will receive a Microsoft Teams link to access the event.
The Wellness Peers Program is part of a suite of supports offered by HWAS for students. For a full list of services related to mental health and wellness, including counselling services, visit the HWAS website.
NCSAC: An evening with Andre De Grasse
The NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) in partnership with five other Ontario student unions, invites students to spend an evening with Canadian sprinter and six-time Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse on January 26 from 7 to 9 p.m.
De Grasse will speak to students about mental health and how to overcome adversities at any stage in life – whether you’re dealing with school pressure, or standing on the Olympic podium. A virtual Q&A will follow De Grasse’s online talk. Students can register for the event through NCSAC’s event calendar.
View video message from Andre De Grasse on NCSAC’s Facebook page.
Get social on Jan. 26
Since 2010, the Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign has raised awareness about mental health and funds for mental health initiatives in Canada.
On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for every applicable text, local or long distance call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, every social media view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video, and every use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat lens.
College areas will turn to their social platforms on Jan. 26 to participate in the campaign and share supportive messages around mental health. Some members of NC’s Executive Team will share some of the ways they care for their own mental wellness and encourage others to do the same. Watch for their video message on NC’s Instagram @niagaracollege.
HWAS will feature a social campaign in line with the “Keep Listening, Keep Talking” theme for this year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day. Follow along throughout the day on Instagram @wellnessnc.
On this Bell Let’s Talk Day, all NC Knights are reminded that we are #NCTogether.
#BellLetsTalk Day 2022 is January 26! As we continue to focus on action to increase awareness around #mentalhealth and mental illness, we encourage Canadians to keep listening, keep talking and keep being there for ourselves and each other. Learn more: t.co/GiYOgGmF22 pic.twitter.com/WsEqbzpXsN
— Bell Let's Talk (@Bell_LetsTalk) January 4, 2022
