Get engaged with Bell Let's Talk Day activities on Jan. 31

On Jan. 31, with the push of a button you can spread the word to help end stigma associated with mental illness. In celebration of Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate five cents toward mental health initiatives in Canada for every text, call, tweet, and post. But there are also a number of ways to get engaged right here in our campus community.

While there are many activities to choose from, each with something unique to offer, here are five ways to join the conversation that you do not want to miss.

1. Bell Let’s Talk photo booth: Share what mental health means to you, leave supportive messages and snag Bell Let’s Talk swag. Get in on the conversation by snapping a selfie in front of the photo backdrop and sharing on social media using #BellLetsTalk and #UCalgary. Located in TFDL and South Courtyard, MacEwan Student Centre.
2. Art and mental health: Take in thought-provoking works related to mental health while enjoying refreshments at the Faculty of Arts exhibition. Open daily from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Art Building, 6th floor of the Arts Parkade.
3. Voices of mental health: Explore mental health in a two-part series where guest speakers who have faced mental health challenges will share their lived experience and answer questions about addiction and schizophrenia. Jan 31. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4. Workplace aggression: Join Sandy Herschcovis, associate professor in the Haskayne School of Business, to learn about the various forms, key causes, prevalence, consequences and strategies to cope with workplace aggression. Jan. 31, 2 to 3 p.m.
5. Assisting a colleague or student in distress: Learn skills and strategies to better recognize and respond to students or colleagues in distress. Feb. 1, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Bell Let’s Talk Day also takes place during Diversity Days, a time to embrace differences and spark conversations in UCalgary communities. Explore more than 25 different activities happening on campus.

Check out the full schedule of Bell Let’s Talk events.

Many of these events are co-ordinated by the UFlourish team as part of Bell Let’s Talk Day and are supported by the Campus Mental Health Strategy. The University of Calgary’s Campus Mental Health Strategy is a bold commitment to the importance of mental health and well-being of our university family. Our vision is to be a community where we care for each other, learn and talk about mental health and well-being, receive support as needed, and individually and collectively realize our full potential. If you think you need help, please visit resources here. If you think someone you know needs help, find more information here.

Psychological Support is one of 13 factors illustrated by the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (National Standard). The University of Calgary is a recipient of the Excellence Canada Mental Health at Work Silver Level Certification in this area. Visit WellBeing and WorkLife to learn more about the implementation of the National Standard at the University of Calgary and to learn about existing programs and resources that support each of the 13 factors.