TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2014 – On January 28, 2014, York University will host its second annual Let’s Talk Mental Health day, part of the University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and creating a mentally healthy campus.

“Mental wellness is integral to the academic success, employee well-being and overall productivity within the university community,” says York University Professor Lesley Beagrie, associate dean, professional & global program, Faculty of Health. “We all work, learn and share our environment with others, and need to provide a place of safety and support for each other.”

Featured Events:

• Let’s Talk: Community Café,  12:30 - 1:30pm, 1014 TEL Building (#39 on map) – The café will feature Mental Health Steering Group co-chairs Suzanne Killick and Lesley Beagrie, who will host a discussion on York’s Mental Health Strategy and invite participants to share what York University can do to help improve the mental health and wellness of its students, faculty and staff. Vice-Provost Students Janet Morrison and Vice-President Finance & Administration Gary Brewer will make closing remarks.

• Good2Talk presentation discussion, 10 - 11am, 2 - 3pm, 1014 TEL Building (#39 on map) –  The Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities, launched Good2Talk this fall, a new bilingual, confidential and anonymous helpline. Through Good2Talk, Ontario’s postsecondary students can receive professional counselling, mental health information and referrals to resources on and off campus, 24/7/365. Two information sessions will be delivered by Good2Talk’s Fiona O’Connor.

• Community Wellness and Safety Fair, 10am – 2pm,  Vari Hall (#30 on map) – Organized by York’s Mental Health & Wellness Working Group and the Community Safety Council, the event will include information tables highlighting the many wellness and safety resources on campus.

“York University is committed to promoting a mentally healthy campus for all students, faculty and staff, fostering student academic success and a better workplace,” says York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “Together, we can create a healthy, supportive campus where everyone can fulfill their potential.”

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 27 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

 

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Media Contact: Robin Heron, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 22097/ rheron@yorku.ca