Students from all Bluewater District secondary schools were able to take part in a student wellness event.
On Wednesday, September 24, around 100 students from all nine secondary schools participated in the Youth Wellness Champions launch.
Each school had a group of up to 10 students, who worked to a staff lead to develop strategies to take back to their schools surrounding health and well-being, reducing stigma around mental illness, and discouraging substance use and misuse.
The workshop, according to BWDSB Clinical Manager Katie Simpson, is aimed at giving students the tools they need to lead.
Becoming a Youth Wellness Champion also helps each student in gaining skills in leadership, communication, public speaking, and facilitation.
The Youth Wellness Champions Program is a provincial initiative, and has run in partnership with Grey Bruce Public Health, the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, and School Mental Health Ontario.
In addition to the workshops, presentations, and table discussions throughout the day, students were able to explore a variety of resources from community partners, create art, and take a pause with St. John Ambulance therapy dogs.
While working with their staff lead and designated school mental health worker, students are encouraged to meet regularly to plan a project each month.