St. Michael’s coming Wellness Week aims to put mental health on everyone’s mind. St. Mike’s many wellness services and resources will be showcased through various events hosted on campus from October 21-25. Shining a spotlight on wellness at St. Michael’s will help empower students to seek help when needed.
Student well-being has always been at the forefront of St. Mike’s services, whether it’s the academic advising provided by the Registrar’s Office, writing help offered through the Writing and Research Help Centre or peer support offered though peer mentorship. To be more intentional about wellness, St. Mike’s expanded its wellness program by hiring Emily VanBerkum-Farahat as its inaugural Manager of Community Wellness in May 2023.
She serves as an on-campus social worker and offers one-on-one wellness advising appointments, helps students access a range of mental health resources and services offered by the University of Toronto (and wider community) and supports the creation of personalized wellness action plans.
“Our St. Mike’s students are incredibly special. They are thoughtful, resilient, and curious; asking life’s big questions; and striving to find their place in the world. Transformative education involves care for the whole person. I believe that attention to how our campus nurtures holistic wellbeing enhances the student experience,” she says.
The Wellness Office has hosted several wellness events, including art and animal therapy sessions, workshops to promote mental health literacy and stress-relieving activities. Some of the events are held in collaboration with various student groups, including the Wellness Council, which supports student well-being by offering events and resources.
“The Wellness Council has always been a space where I can de-stress, re-energize, and connect with my peers. Given the pressures of academic life, especially during midterms and finals, this club has provided me with an outlet to prioritize my well-being. I’ve seen firsthand how our events and initiatives positively impact both our members and attendees, creating a sense of community and support,” says Aaliya Bhamla, a fourth-year student double majoring in Health & Disease and Cell & Molecular Biology, with a minor in Psychology, who is the president of the Wellness Council. “In this role, I have the unique opportunity to drive meaningful change, facilitate open conversations about mental health, and advocate for accessible support systems, building a campus culture rooted in inclusivity and well-being.”
With the launch of the Student Wellness Advisory Group, students can have their say in wellness at St. Mike’s. The Advisory Group is a team of students of all years of study and programs who come together twice a term to brainstorm ideas, use current research/program evaluation tools and student feedback to raise awareness, educate, propose or coordinate wellness and mental health-based initiatives, programs and events.
Jared Calder Floirendo, a second-year student, joined after benefiting from some of the wellness resources and witnessing the breadth of wellness activity on campus.
“I joined the Advisory Group last year when it was brand new. Wellness has always been important to me, and I love to get involved in all things mental health-related. It’s very energizing to think about all the possibilities that can come from student voices,” he says.
New to campus this year is Maila Robinson, a practicum student in her second year at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. She will lead students through stress reduction techniques and facilitate regular mindful activities in the Wellness Studio. Join her on Thursday afternoons for the Relaxation Zone, which will transform the Wellness Studio into an oasis of calm and space for self-care.
“The Studio is a special space on campus for students to explore different domains of well-being, which include mind, body, and spirit, and cultivate their own wellness practice as part of a community of care,” says Emily.
Yoga, Taijutsu, Tai Chi, boxing, and Kudoki Kung Fu classes are also offered in the Wellness Studio on a weekly basis. Students are invited to drop in and try out something new. Click here to view the Student Life Calendar, which includes classes offered in the Wellness Studio.
The greatest asset to wellness at St. Mike’s has always been its community. “Community engagement enhances the academic experience, builds skills and resiliency, and strengthens a sense of belonging and purpose,” says Emily.
Get involved and be sure to check out the wellness activities scheduled for Wellness Week:
October 21: Get Crafty @ SMC (Pen Pals Letter Writing): students can write or decorate a card. National and international postage will be provided. This is a great way to keep in touch and nurture relationships and support systems beyond the school environment.
October 22: Therapy dogs visit St. Mike’s
October 23 – Relaxation Station: Fr. Madden Hall transforms into a drop-in space for quiet reflection, guided meditation, learning self-massage, actual massages with an RMT, light refreshments, aromatherapy, etc.
Oct. 24- Navigating life post-graduation: A values-based decision-making workshop with complimentary dinner – an opportunity to reflect on life’s big questions and the post-graduation journey.
Oct. 25- Campus Clean Up with SMCSU
