In an effort to provide free mental health support Compass Community Services has two upcoming wellness workshops for Mental Health Awareness Month.
This is the first time Compass is offering workshops like these. The free workshops focus on building well-being and balance. The one-hour sessions are online and registration is open to those 18 years of age or older.
How To Be Well At Work is the first workshop on May 22 at noon. The lunch session is geared toward working professionals to learn about mental well-being and how to maintain a healthy work life balance.
“For Mental Health Awareness Month, we specifically chose to do a dedicated workshop for well-being at work, in large part because of the trends we’re seeing in those accessing our employee assistance program services using their workplace benefits plans,” said Erica Pellin, executive director of Compass.
One of the driving factors for this initiative is the need for support for employees is becoming essential for a healthy, resilient workplace.
The second workshop, Mental Health 101, is on the same day at 7 p.m. It gives participants simple strategies for navigating everyday stressors.
The workshops are free because Compass wants to try to support those who may not have access to mental health benefits or don’t have disposable income for therapy.
“We know that these workshops are a drop in the bucket to quench the rising need in our community for mental health, but it’s a place to start,” said Pellin.
If it receives donations or funding Pellin can see there being more workshops in the future.
“In times like these, where there’s not support available for everyone who needs it, we’re choosing to focus on our ability to help people be resilient and cope with what we all face,” said Pellin.
She hopes people who participate in the workshops take away a greater sense of awareness about what they’re feeling and have coping strategies they can use when tough things come up.
“Mental health issues are near and dear to my heart. Mental illness runs in my family, and so I’ve been fortunate enough to learn how to support my mental health and the mental health (of) family members struggling with mental illness,” said Pellin. “And so I’m encouraged that folks are more open to hearing about mental well-being and being open to learning these skills, just as you would nutrition or exercise.”
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