UPEI Men's Soccer coach Lewis Page kicks off Mental Health Week

UPEI MENTAL HEALTH WEEK SCHEDULE

UPEI Men's Soccer coach Lewis Page brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation after sharing his journey with depression at yesterday's kick off to the 2016 UPEI Mental Health Week. Encouraged by the overwhelming positive support after sharing his story during the Bell Let’s Talk campaign in January, Page focused his talk yesterday on the relationships that have mattered most in his life. 

Sarah Thompson, a mathematics and computer science double major, was also announced as the recipient of this year's "My Abilities" award, granted to a full-time student registered with Accessibility Services at UPEI who has demonstrated involvement in community and/or campus life. 

President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz welcomed the audience and encouraged "all members of the University community to participate in the week, but to take the opportunity to also learn more to support fellow students, colleagues and friends year-round." UPEI Student Union president Dana Kenny also provided an update on the UPEI Mental Health Initiatives Fund, a fund that was established by the Student Union and University to support student-led initiatives in an effort to support the mental health of students.

One benefactor of the fund is the Zen Zone that has been created in The Credit Union Day Lounge at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre for the duration of Mental Health Week. This space will serve as an area for relaxation, reflection, and mindfulness. Members of the campus community are invited to come into the Zen Zone and participate in quiet activities such as colouring, journaling, reading, or reflective thought or take part in any of our planned events.

Find the full schedule for Mental Health Week events online, and be sure to join in the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at the hash tag #upeimentalhealth.