Nipissing staff and students connect during MENtal strength panel event
On Monday, January 19, approximately 40 Nipissing staff and students gathered in the small cafeteria to enjoy food, connection, and a panel discussing men’s mental health. Nipissing student, Alexander Domingos, was the host for the event, and he kicked things off by inviting everyone to enjoy a self-serve taco bar followed by an incredible panel discussion.
Panelists included Wade Ringler from Chat4Chad, Malinda Hirvilammi from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) North Bay & District, Sully Sullivan from Chasing Clarity, Cody McKenzie-Sackaney, Indigenous Case Worker – Indigenous Services at the North Bay Regional Health Centre and Matthieu Bonin, public listener and inspirational speaker.
The event built on the success of an Authenticity Lunch and Learn event that Nipissing faculty member, Dr. Melissa Corrente, organized last March in collaboration with Student Development and Services.
“January can be a difficult month for folks, it is important to build connection, check in on each other and talk about mental health,” Dr. Corrente shared.
The event was a true team effort, and it would not have been successful without the efforts of:
- Terra Nevrencan, Student Intervention Specialist
- Bryanne Bird, Manager, Student Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Pamela Forest, Dibaadan Wellness Coordinator
- Alexander Domingos, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assistant & MENtal Strength Initiative Lead
- Nipissing University Peer Supporters in attendance
The event was made possible by a grant through the Student Initiatives Fund with Student Development & Services.
If you are experiencing distress and require extra support on campus, reach out to Mental Health & Wellbeing (mhwellbeing@nipissingu.ca, Phone: 705-474-3450 ext. 4507) during office hours (B210 - Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) who will connect you with a member a team member to support you. Kindly remember, this is a crisis service and not available 24/7. If it is urgent and outside of office hours, visit www.nipissingu.ca/needhelpnow or call Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or 988 for suicide-related concerns.