Mental Health Awareness week is coming up with a couple of events scheduled to take place in the Chatham-Kent.
The week, which is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and eliminating the stigma of mental illness, is now in its 68th year and kicks off Monday, May 6.
Throughout the week, the Lambton-Kent branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will spread the #GetLoud message of what mental health is and the tools that are available. Megan Walker, mental health promotions specialist with CMHA Lambton-Kent, said although they will be hosting events and sharing information over social media, there are simple ways residents can show support for the cause.
"Try to wear green," she said. "Green is our colour for Mental Health Awareness Week. We also hand out green ribbons and another thing that we started [about] two years ago is asking different businesses, organizations -- even in your own home, to light up the building green ... it's another way to show support."
Walker said there are a couple of free events scheduled to take place in Chatham that revolve around traumatic grief.
The first event is on May 8 at 6:30 p.m., at the Lambton Kent District School Board Regional Education Centre, located at 476 McNaughton Ave. E. The free event will feature guest speaker Dena Moitoso, who is a registered psychotherapist. Then on May 9, Moitoso will hold a full-day workshop for professionals starting at 9 a.m. at the Chatham Kent Children's Services Cafeteria.
Residents who have questions or are looking to register are asked to email mwalker@cmhalambtonkent.ca or call the Chatham office at (519) 436-6100. Further details regarding Mental Health Awareness can be found by clicking here.