Students looking for strategies and tips for living a balanced life can look forward to participating in the many workshops, activities and events on offer during Niagara College’s Wellbeing Month.
The initiative is being led for the first time by NC’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services (HWAS) in collaboration with Athletics and Student Engagement, schools of Culinary Arts and Wine, Beer and Spirits, Enrolment Services (Financial Aid and Awards), Indigenous Education, International, NCSAC and more. Community partners will also be participating.
“We are excited to invite Niagara College students out to our Wellbeing Month events and workshops,” said Yiching Chua, Counsellor at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus.
“We know that taking care of our mental health is more than just counselling. It’s about learning the various aspects of what helps us be well and healthy. This is the goal of our programming – to teach students how to take care of their overall wellbeing.”
Beginning on January 29, Wellbeing Month will feature three weeks of programming across both NC campuses. Aligning with the College’s commitment to a wholistic student experience, each week will focus on a different theme to help students learn how to support their overall wellbeing.
January 29 to February 2: Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health Week
February 4-9: Family and Financial Health Week
February 12-16: Physical and Social Health Week
View the calendar of events to explore the offerings. The listings include event descriptions and any registration details that may be required.
“This initiative was informed by the findings from focus groups that took place in the fall term 2023 with BIPOC/Racialized students,” added Chua. “We want to let students know that this initiative started because students shared the importance of outreach, engagement, and connection when it comes to learning about wellbeing.”
Wellbeing Month highlights
Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health Week (Jan. 29 to Feb. 2)
A Community Wellness Fair will take place from 12 to 2 p.m. on Jan. 30 at the Welland Campus and on Feb. 1 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus. Students are encouraged to drop by to speak with community partners who will share information about the services they offer in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
The week will also include Gratitude, Wellbeing and Trauma Awareness workshops with HWAS counsellors, Mindful Movement Yoga, a Working Minds Certification session (with sessions continuing in weeks two and three), a Feeding your Spirit with Tea and Bannock event presented by Indigenous Education, a meet and greet with the NC Christian Student Club, and an event with the NC Muslim Student Association on how the various teachings of Islam help and maintain the mental health of Muslims.
Family and Financial Health Week (Feb. 4-9)
NC International is inviting students who have children and families to register for a free outing to watch the Niagara Ice Dogs take on the North Bay Battalion on Feb. 4 at 4 p.m. at the Meridian Centre (St. Catharines). Registration includes game ticket(s), transportation and food voucher. Spots are limited. Register here by Jan. 31.
The week will also feature a Community Wellness Fair – Family Edition from 12 to 2 p.m. on Feb. 7 (Welland Campus) and on Feb. 8 (Daniel J. Patterson Campus). Community partners will share information about the services they offer to all students in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of parents and their children. In advance of the Fair at 11 a.m., Niagara Region Public Health will host a workshop on community services for parents and expecting parents. Lunch will be provided (until quantities last) and students who join in for the full workshop, will have a chance to win a $50 Gift card.
Domestic and international students can also take part in a variety of sessions including Budget 101, Income Tax Filing and more, hosted by Enrolment Services (Financial Aid and Awards) and International.
Physical and Social Health Week (Feb. 12-16)
NC employees, students and their families are invited to a free open skate, hosted by Athletics and Student Engagement. Bring your skates and helmets on Feb. 11 from 4-6 p.m. or Feb. 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the Welland Main Arena (501 King St.).
On Feb. 13 from 12 to 1 p.m., the schools of Culinary Arts and Wine, Beer and Spirits will be offering a tea workshop called Tea Meditation in Benchmark Restaurant (Daniel J. Patterson Campus). NC’s Edward Qu will teach participants about the benefits of tea on their wellbeing in this fun, interactive, and informative workshop. Registration is not required. Spaces are limited, so please come early.
Also this week, students can visit the Wellness Lounge at both campuses on Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to meet NC’s nursing staff from HWAS, learn about the services they offer, play Jenga and enjoy a healthy snack (while quantities last).
HWAS nursing staff will also be hosting a Candy & Condoms booth with Niagara Region Public Health and Positive Living Niagara on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus (hallway outside of the Cafeteria) and Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Welland Campus (Allied Health entrance). Students can learn about the services that are available to them to support their sexual health and schedule STI testing for a later date.
Visit the Wellbeing Month calendar of events to view the full listing.
Beyond Wellbeing Month
Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services offers a variety of workshops throughout the year to help students make the most of their busy time at NC. View the Workshops page for current offerings.
