Humber Let’s Talk came to an end but it’s the start of more mental health awareness events.
The week-long extravaganza was run by Peer Wellness Services among other services at Humber. The purpose is to help students be more aware of their resources and reduce the stigma around mental health.
Jeydeane Palmer, an instructor therapist, said students who are provided with mental health support can gain many benefits.
“Firstly, I would say academic performance improves,” she said. “Then their emotional well-being because kids [need] to feel safe [in a] place where they can express their feelings, and they’ll build more resilience developing healthy coping mechanisms.”
In addition, it will foster positive behavioural changes and an increase in social skills, Palmer said.
Krista Elliott-Shahid, a health promotion specialist for Humber’s wellness education, said the inspiration of Humber Let’s Talk came from Bell Let’s Talk but the activities were based on what helps students distress and boost their mental wellness.
“We’ve had a great turnout with more than a thousand students attending the events,” she said.
The last day of Humber Let’s Talk was Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. It ended with a Wheel of Care booth giving free goodies and treats, and an open Fireside Chat at Humber North in the E-concourse, across from Gourmet Cafe.
Drishti Mahant, a first-year student in the Biomedical Sciences program, said the mental health events are enjoyable and it’s important to spread awareness of services being offered, especially in this generation.
“I know students who are my age and they are going through a lot of changes in the system in society patterns,” she said. “I think it’s great knowing they have someone they can talk to without any judgment.”
Growing up, she would rely on her family for support and guidance. But since the world is changing, people need mental health support now more than ever, Mahant said.
Hiba Khan, a health promotion facilitator at the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre, said her role throughout the week was a mix of floating around and making sure everything was running smoothly to being behind a table and interacting with participants.
“It’s been so heartwarming to see how new students have come out, and so many students are dropping by and just telling us we need more of these events,” she said.
Many students have expressed how much they enjoy the snacks, puppies and activities where they have a creative outlet, Khan said.
