Welcome back for the second installment of “What’s Happening at Western”! To begin the beautiful month of October, Western and Her Campus Western have arranged several events with Mental Illness Awareness Week in mind. In tandem with this national educational campaign, Western is hosting its second annual “Western Wellness Week” from October 2 to October 5 to raise awareness and initiate discussion about mental health. Each event is designed to help you gain new perspective, learn new skills, or just relax as midterm season begins.
Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair
This fair is a one-stop info center for all your mental health and wellness concerns. Dozens of Western’s wellness services will be present and available to make sure you have the information and resources to help yourself.
Date: Tuesday, October 3 Time: 11:00am-4:00pm Location: UCC Atrium Cost: Free
The Fairmount Foundation of Health and Western’s Wellness Lecture Series has come together to present Neil Pasricha, motivational speaker and author of “The Happiness Equation”. The book advertises: “Want nothing, do anything, have everything”. The counterintuitive approach to managing life and creating happiness will definitely broaden your horizons and make you approach every aspect of your life in a new light. A book signing will also follow the presentation at 6:00pm.
Update: This event has reached capacity.
Date: Tuesday, October 3 Time: 4:30-7:00pm Location: Mustang Lounge Cost: Free
The Visual Arts Supporters’ Association is hosting their annual ExtraVASAganza with events planned for two nights! You can share your love of art, release your inhibitions, and share your love of art here. The first night is sure to be a blast, featuring tie-dye, paint, and pizza and snacks while the second night is more relaxed with a movie night.
Date: Tuesday, October 3 and Wednesday, October 4 Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm Location: John Labatt Visual Arts Centre, Second floor, painting studio Cost: Free
Is there a better way to get your midweek energy boost than to be with dogs? You can meet the St. John’s therapy dogs and their owners, learn about the benefits of therapy dogs, and de-stress at the same time. What more can you ask for?
Date: Wednesday, October 4 Time: 12:30-2:00pm Location: Mustang Lounge Cost: Free
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Awareness and Community Zine Making
Come support Her Campus Western in their collaboration with Spectrum, Ally Western, Pride Western and This Mind of Mine to raise awareness about mental health in the LGBTQ+ community. Zines (collages named from “magazines”) allow you to express yourself while connecting with the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Especially for LGBTQ+ youth, the upcoming holidays can actually be more nervewracking than anything, but this event will offer advice and address the most common concerns. Drop in to learn the facts, the history, and ways to support each other at this unique event!
Date: Thursday, October 5 Time: 9:00am-1:00pm Location: Taylor Library, Main floor event table Cost: Free
Even if you can’t make it home for Thanksgiving this year, you don’t have to miss out on the camaraderie and love that is abundant during this season. Ontario Hall is offering a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving dinner, including many traditionally harvested foods. Students are encouraged to bring canned food or other non-perishable food items to the dinner as a gesture of thanks and to help those in need. Space is limited – you can register and purchase your ticket (with cash only) in person at the International and Exchange Student Centre (IGAB, 2nd floor).
Date: Saturday, October 7 Time: 4:30-6:30pm Location: Ontario Hall Cost: $8
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