What was once a one-day annual event became a weeklong event. The Student Wellness and Accessibility Center (SWAC) held its first extended Let’s Talk event this year with a theme called Connection.
“Our theme this year is connection for Humber Let’s Talk, so all of it is our way to enhance our support connection with ourselves, each other or with land,” said Ewnet Demisse, a health promotion specialist from the Student Wellness and Equitable Learning.
In alignment with the theme, the Let’s Talk event got its kickstart this week at the North campus LRC, with students getting a chance to meet one another, go through a round of speed friending, get pictures taken at the photobooth, and enjoying snacks along with refreshments.
“People can share and hear stories about how other people are handling, managing, and navigating through their mental health challenges. It’s also letting people know they’re not alone,” Demise said.
Due to the lack of opportunities to connect over mental health, students on campus got the chance to open with one another and build community, throughout the week and so forth.
“We found that there is such a hunger for that. Knowing the impact connection has on our well-being, that’s the whole point. Its to address that and support that,” Demisse said.
Humber Let’s Talk Week also falls on the same day as Bell’s annual Let’s Talk Day, which was held on Jan. 24.
Students at the event mentioned events that promote mental health awareness is beneficial to them.
“It has helped a lot. In terms of taking break from studies,” business accounting student Manpreet Kaur said.
“I remember the first time I did speed friending. I’m still in contact with those people right now, it’s been three, four semesters,” Kaur said.
Other events and activities held throughout the week of Humber Let’s Talk included a panel for students to ask questions and a Connection Fair. The Connection Fair gave students the opportunity to become aware of the different health resources available to them on campus.
Kaur makes use of the Spirituality Wellness Centre and events whenever they are held.
“They’re really relaxing, and I do meet a lot of new people there,” Kaur said.
Demisse said data gathered from the student success and engagement survey and the national college health assessment,show people don’t know where to find counselling services.
“People are made for people. When we have a disconnect, were missing something,” Demisse said.
Demisse said data shows students feel they can receive more support from their college through building community.
“We wanted to address those gaps of how can we further support, how can we build community, a sense of belonging, and foster that connection cause that’s what humans need,” Demisse said.