In the spirit of Mental Health week, a Morden Collegiate student organized an all day event to give students tools to reinforce mental health.

Jasmine Street, grade 12 student at MCI, has seen her family and friends struggle with their mental health, and wanted to create a safe place where they're encouraged to speak up.

Braclets could be purchased as a tangible reminder for students to maintain positive mental health“I think people have been participating and getting interested in it,” said Street.

The gym at MCI was split into six stations all designed to promote positive mental health through education, mindfulness, exercise, relaxation, etc.

Executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association—Central Region, Jordan Friesen, was in attendance to support and encourage Street and the other students participating.

“We encourage people to talk about mental health at any time of year. When we have champions in the community that carry this banner and start conversations about mental health with their peers, it enhances our message and gives us an opportunity to partner with them in the great work they're doing,” Friesen said.

“Personally, I am encouraged by the number of students that have been so receptive to what we're offering here, and by the work that Jasmine has done to champion a conversation of mental health in her school,” he said.

One of the reasons Street was inspired to organize such an event was the loss of a cousin who suffered from depression. Now, the family has started a charity to spread hope to young people so they will choose positive coping strategies instead of suicide.

Anyone who may be struggling with mental illness is encouraged to speak to friends, family, or healthcare professionals.