On June 23, 2023 WSAB hosted their first ever Mental Health Fair – a showcase of possibilities for self-care. Around 50 people came to Kresge Hall for a moderated talk led by Amanda Bartosiak (a Mental Health First Aider) about dealing with their very normal feelings they may have had about the year, the Mental Health First Aide Program and also – for many this was a new concept – using fidget toys. Following the talk, everyone was free to continue their discussions or interact with the various stations that were offered:
- Miniature Horses from Mane in Heaven
- Pet Therapy Dogs from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy
- ASMR Listening Stations
- Crafting / Origami
- Jigsaw Puzzles
- Popping Bubble Wrap
- Shredding Paper
- Exercises / Stretching
- Pinata Thwacking
All who attended left in good spirits and with a WSAB Stress Ball and fidget toys. If you have pictures from the event, please share them with us! You can drop photos into this folder on Sharepoint.
Shredding and Popping stations
Pinatas
Bianca thwacks the pinata with a mallet. Cecile holds the stand steady. Safety first!
Getting the spoils – fruity candy (chocolate was for later) and Mental Health Awareness stickers
Margaret, Sloane, Amanda and Tiffany make some origami
Tre the pet therapy dog
So very cute and attentive!
Asia is ready to meet some WCAS Staff members
Like Alex who receives kisses from Asia the pet therapy dog
Abigail hugs Hope the Miniature Horse
Rossi meets Poppy
After a wonderful hour of meeting people, Hope and Poppy are ready to go home
Such a great event! Can’t wait for the next one 🙂