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We encourage you to take a proactive, preventative approach to your wellness and learn tips and techniques to help you stay physically and mentally well. We have both in-person workshops and online workshops for you to enjoy. All programming is free for Laurier students.
Four of our workshops are required to earn the Wellness Education Certificate and they each run twice per term on Zoom: Taking Charge of Your Wellness, Getting More Sleep, Eating for Wellbeing, and Finding Your Bliss. Complete the Wellness Education Certificate by attending any one of our mental health workshops, running on Zoom or in-person.
Explore:
Sept. 11, 1 to 2 p.m. | Location: CB100 | Register in advance.
Join Margaret Neveau, Indigenous Student Counsellor, to learn about the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Please note, this workshop is open to all Brantford students. Registration required.
Drop-in location: Brantford Wellness Hub (OM 206-30)
Join us to kick off the Brantford Breakfast Bar! We will have a hot breakfast available, with pancakes, eggs, and a vegan and gluten-free potato hash, while supplies last. The Breakfast Bar program will run every Tuesday and Wednesday of Fall term, from 9:30-11:30 am, or while supplies last. Grab some breakfast on your way to class, connect with your peers, or find out more about university services. There will be vegan and gluten-free options available. This program is offered in partnership with the Student Wellness Centre and the Dean of Students Office.
Sept. 15, noon to 12:30 p.m. | Location: Register in advance or drop-in at the RAC Courtyard
Join us for a quick and gentle yoga practice that incorporates gentle movement and stretching leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day. Please bring your own yoga mat if possible. Students with all experience levels are welcome.
Sept. 19, 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Brantford: Zoom, Register in advance
Sept. 20, 1 to 3 p.m. | Location: RAC Courtyard
The AIDS Network and Wellness Education will have a booth set up with Consent is Golden, to share resources, and information about safer sexual health practices. Come to two events with Wellness Education and our community partners this week and be entered to win a prize!
Sept. 20, 4 to 5 p.m. | Drop-in location: OM 206-30
The YMCA’s Youth Gambling Awareness Program is bringing a presentation “Gambling, Money, and Decision Making”. In this session, you will learn about items of value used by youth to bet with, and factors leading to participating in games of chance, and developing decision making skills. Come to two Community Partner Week events and be entered to win a prize!
Sept. 21, 1 to 3 p.m. | Drop-in location: OM 206-30
Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services will be in the Wellness Hub (OM 206-30) to share information about their services, and some First Aid basics to stay safe. Come to two Community Partner Week events and be entered to win a prize!
Location: Student Centre (103 Darling St, Second Floor)
Stop by the Wellness Education spaces on either campus and pick up a fresh piece of fruit to fuel your mind and body! Have questions about wellness resources at Laurier? Chat with our Wellness Education team!
Sept. 22, noon to 12:30 p.m. | Location: Register in advance or drop-in at the RAC courtyard
Join us for a quick and gentle yoga practice that incorporates gentle movement and stretching leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day. Please bring your own yoga mat if possible. Students with all experience levels are welcome.
Sept. 26, 2 to 3 p.m. | Location: Multipurpose Room | Register in advance
Join Indigenous Student Services and Wellness Education as we learn about Indigenous food sovereignty, connection with land, and growing our food. We will have a discussion led by ISS about Indigenous ways of being in relationship with our food and land we grow on. Students will learn how to plant and tend to their own gardens and take home the seedlings and window planters of their choice after the program! This program is generously funded by the Student Life Levy.
Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Location: Student Commons
Join Wellness Education, the Dean of Students office, and campus partners for a snack (while supplies last), do a fun activity, and learn about campus resources available to you. Open to Laurier and Conestoga students!
Sept. 28, 2 to 3 p.m. | Location: Meet us at the front doors of One Market.
Take a stress break and join some friendly pups and peers on a walk through the natural spaces around campus. This walk is great for our social, mental and physical wellness!
Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
Join Jesse Gagnon, Indigenous Student Support Coordinator, and Claire Howarth, Wellness Education Coordinator, as we learn about local places to purchase food in Brantford. We will have guest facilitators leading tours, reviewing a new recipe each tour, and guiding us through purchasing the ingredients, while talking about seasonality, nutrition, ripeness, and building social connections. This program is generously funded by the Student Life Levy.
Sept. 29, noon to 12:30 p.m. | Location: Register in advance or drop-in at the RAC courtyard
Join us for a quick and gentle yoga practice that incorporates gentle movement and stretching leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day. Please bring your own yoga mat if possible. Students with all experience levels are welcome.
Oct. 2, 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Location: Zoom | Register in advance.
Margaret Neveau, Indigenous Student Counsellor, will be hosting this workshop on Women’s teachings. Please note, this workshop is open to all Brantford students. Registration required. This workshop is taking place on Zoom, you will be sent the Zoom link the day before the workshop.
Location: Brantford Wellness Hub (OM 206-30)
The Breakfast Bar program will run every Tuesday and Wednesday of Fall term, from 9:30-11:30 am, or while supplies last. Grab some breakfast on your way to class, connect with your peers, or find out more about university services. There will be vegan and gluten-free options available. This program is offered in partnership with the Student Wellness Centre and the Dean of Students Office.
Oct. 4, 2 to 3 p.m. | Register in advance.
Join Jesse Gagnon, Indigenous Student Support Coordinator, and Claire Howarth, Wellness Education Coordinator, as we learn about local places to purchase food in Brantford. We will have guest facilitators leading tours, reviewing a new recipe each tour, and guiding us through purchasing the ingredients, while talking about seasonality, nutrition, ripeness, and building social connections. This program is generously funded by the Student Life Levy.
Location: Student Centre (103 Darling St, Second Floor)
Stop by the Wellness Education spaces on either campus and pick up a fresh piece of fruit to fuel your mind and body! Have questions about wellness resources at Laurier? Chat with our Wellness Education team!
Oct. 17, 2 to 3 p.m. | Register in advance.
Join Jesse Gagnon, Indigenous Student Support Coordinator, and Claire Howarth, Wellness Education Coordinator, as we learn about local places to purchase food in Brantford. We will have guest facilitators leading tours, reviewing a new recipe each tour, and guiding us through purchasing the ingredients, while talking about seasonality, nutrition, ripeness, and building social connections. This program is generously funded by the Student Life Levy.
Oct. 23 to 27
Thrive is a week-long series of free events for students to help build mental health! There will be activities in-person on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, as well as online workshops.
Check out our Thrive page for more information!
Oct. 23, 3 to 4 p.m.| Registration link coming soon!
Join Shevaungh, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, for a 1-hour journaling experience. We will explore what journaling is and can be, barriers to journaling, reasons to journal, and how to keep safe while journaling. You will receive a journal and a pen to continue your journaling journey.
Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Registration link coming soon!
Come learn how to use writing as a tool for mindfulnss during the highs and lows of student life. Lunch will be provided. This workshop is presented by Christa Hesselink of Soulplay, and is a colllaboration with Writing Services and the Student Wellness Centre. Funding has generously been provided by the Student Life Levy.
Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Location: TBA
Join Wellness Education, the Dean of Students office, and campus partners for a snack (while supplies last), do a fun activity, and learn about campus resources available to you. Open to Laurier and Conestoga students!
Oct. 26, 2 to 3 p.m. | Meet us at the front main entrance of One Market, at the intersection of Market and Dalhousie streets.
Take a stress break and join some friendly pups and peers on a walk through the natural spaces around campus. This walk is great for our social, mental and physical wellness!
Location: Brantford Wellness Hub (OM 206-30)
The Breakfast Bar program will run every Tuesday and Wednesday of Fall term, from 9:00-11:00 am, or while supplies last. Grab some breakfast on your way to class, connect with your peers, or find out more about university services. There will be vegan and gluten-free options available. This program is generously funded by the Student Life Levy and offered in partnership with the Student Wellness Centre and the Dean of Students Office.
Location: Student Centre (103 Darling St, Second Floor)
Stop by the Wellness Education spaces on either campus and pick up a fresh piece of fruit to fuel your mind and body! Have questions about wellness resources at Laurier? Chat with our Wellness Education team!
Nov. 15, 1 to 2 p.m. | Location: Zoom | Register in advance.
Join Margaret Neveau, Indigenous Student Counsellor, to learn about the Medicine Wheel Teachings. Please note, this workshop is currently open to Brantford students. Registration required. This workshop is taking place on Zoom, you will be sent the Zoom link the day before the workshop.
Nov. 23, 1 to 3 p.m. | Location: TBA
Join Wellness Education, the Dean of Students office, and campus partners for a snack (while supplies last), do a fun activity, and learn about campus resources available to you. Open to Laurier and Conestoga students.
Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to noon | Location: Student Centre (103 Darling St, Second Floor)
Stop by the Wellness Education spaces on either campus and pick up a fresh piece of fruit to fuel your mind and body! Have questions about wellness resources at Laurier? Chat with our Wellness Education team! This is the last Fresh Fruit Friday of Fall term!
Location: Concourse
Stop by the Wellness Education spaces on either campus and pick up a fresh piece of fruit to fuel your mind and body! Have questions about wellness resources at Laurier? Chat with our Wellness Education team!
Sept. 28, 1 to 3 p.m. | Waterloo: Martin Luther Chapel
Drop in for creative art-making, facilitated by graduate counselling students, to de-stress, explore, refresh and have fun! No art experience required and all supplies are provided. Art Hives runs the last Thursday of each month.
Sept. 28, noon to 12:50 p.m. | Location: Meet us in the orchard between Martin Luther College University and the Library.
Take a stress break and join some friendly pups and peers on a walk through the natural spaces around campus. This walk is great for our social, mental and physical wellness!
Location: Concourse
Stop by the Wellness Education spaces on either campus and pick up a fresh piece of fruit to fuel your mind and body! Have questions about wellness resources at Laurier? Chat with our Wellness Education team!
Oct. 23 to 27
Thrive is a week-long series of free events for students to help build mental health! There will be activities in-person on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, as well as online workshops.
Check out our Thrive page for more information!
Oct. 26, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Register in advance (link TBA).
Learn how to journal to boost your mental health. This workshop is led by Lauren, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre. There are limited spaces for this workshop, be sure to register in advance. Participants will be given a free journal and pen to get started!
Oct. 26, noon to 12:50 p.m. | Location: Meet us in the orchard between Martin Luther University College and the Library.
Take a stress break and join some friendly pups and peers on a walk through the natural spaces around campus. This walk is great for our social, mental and physical wellness!
Oct. 26, 1 to 3 p.m. | Location: Martin Luther Chapel
Drop in for creative art-making, facilitated by graduate counselling students, to de-stress, explore, refresh and have fun! No art experience required and all supplies are provided. Art Hives runs the last Thursday of each month.
Location: Concourse
Stop by the Wellness Education spaces on either campus and pick up a fresh piece of fruit to fuel your mind and body! Have questions about wellness resources at Laurier? Chat with our Wellness Education team!
Nov. 30, 1 to 3 p.m. | Waterloo: Martin Luther Chapel
Drop in for creative art-making, facilitated by graduate counselling students, to de-stress, explore, refresh and have fun! No art experience required and all supplies are provided. Art Hives runs the last Thursday of each month.
Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to noon | Location: Concourse
Stop by the Wellness Education spaces on either campus and pick up a fresh piece of fruit to fuel your mind and body! Have questions about wellness resources at Laurier? Chat with our Wellness Education team! This is the last Fresh Fruit Friday of Fall term!
Online workshops are:
Sept. 20, 3 to 4 p.m. | Zoom: Register in advance
This workshop addresses the importance of building systems of support, especially when transitioning to university life. It will also discuss how to identify and refer a friend in distress. This workshops is led by Sherrie, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, and it counts as an elective toward the Wellness Education Certificate.
Sept. 21, 3 to 4 p.m. | Zoom: Register in advance
Learn about holistic wellness, and how you can take a proactive, preventative approach to build wellness in each of the seven dimensions of wellness. This workshop is led by Leo, Wellness Education Assistant, and is one of the core workshops required to complete our Wellness Education Certificate.
Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to noon | Zoom: Register in advance
We will learn about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and introduce the skill of mindfulness. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Sept. 27, 3 to 4 p.m. | Zoom: Register in advance
This workshop addresses the importance of building systems of support, especially when transitioning to university life. It will also discuss how to identify and refer a friend in distress. This workshop is led by Valita, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, and counts as an elective toward the Wellness Education Certificate.
Sept. 28, 3 to 4 p.m. | Zoom: Register in advance
Sleep is often one of the first things to go when we are busy. In this session, we will go through ways to improve your sleeping habits and learn how a sleep routine can positively impact your mental health and overall well-being. This workshop is led by Claire, Wellness Education Coordinator, and is one of the core workshops in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Oct. 2, 3 to 4 p.m. | Register in advance.
Communication is key in all of our interpersonal relationships including friendships, family, romantic relationships and group members. In this workshop, we will learn about different types of communicators, why communication can be difficult, and hands-on strategies for expressing your needs confidently and with kindness. This workshop is run by Shevaungh, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, and Claire, the Brantford Wellness Education Coordinator. It counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
We will continue to explore mindfulness, focusing on the what and how skills. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Oct. 3, 2 to 3 p.m. | Register in advance.
Food, mood, and learning are all closely linked, but when you're short on time and money it can be difficult to meal plan and prep for success. This workshop will provide you with practical strategies you can start using immediately to overcome common barriers to nutrition as a student so you can keep your body fueled and brain sharp! This workshop is led by Claire, the Wellness Education Coordinator, and Heather, a Registered Dietitian. This is one of the core workshops in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Oct. 4, 1 to 2 p.m. | Register in advance.
Learn how to uncover your talents, find meaning through your work, passions, and utilize what brings you joy. Explore the intersections of spiritual and vocational wellness and how they impact our whole wellbeing. This workshop is led by Sarina, the Manager of Wellness Education, and a Career Development Practitioner. This is one of the core workshops in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Oct. 4, 3 to 4 p.m. | Register in advance.
Join us as we explore the building blocks of healthy relationships, identify less than healthy dynamics, and are introduced to skills that can help cultivate meaningful connection. Deepen your understanding of your own relationship patterns and identify useful strategies and skills for fostering fulfilling connection. Active participation is encouraged in this workshop, please come ready to learn and share! This workshop is led by Jay, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, and counts as an elective toward the Wellness Education Certificate.
Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
This session introduces emotion regulation, including different emotions that we experience, and the ways that emotions function in our lives. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Whether it is alcohol, cannabis, prescription stimulants, opiates or cocaine, let's discuss how to make informed choices and decrease the risks of using substances recreationally. This workshop will break down the stigma and myths about why people use substances. We will also discuss the combination of different substances and what to do if you or a friend need help. Important facts and reliable resources provided, but discussion and questions are encouraged. This workshops is facilitated by mental health nurse Julie, who regularly discusses substance use with students in our community, and has expertise in harm reduction methods and concurrent disorders. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
We will learn about two practical skills to support emotion regulation: fact checking and problem solving. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Oct. 25, 3 to 4 p.m. | Register in advance.
Have you heard of the expression “The Body Keeps the Score?” It refers to how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain. There is, however, hope for healing. At this presentation, you will be introduced to the impacts of racism on the body and learn how to care for your mental body, emotional body, physical body, and spiritual body using mindfulness techniques. This workshop is run by Shevaungh, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, and counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate. This workshop is open to all Laurier students.
Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
We can all experience unwanted emotions. In this workshop, we will explore how to change these unwanted emotions using the skill of opposite action. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Nov. 1, noon to 1 p.m. | Register in advance.
We all have mental health to promote and protect. How can we balance it all, to avoid burning out? Join Claire as she shares tips and strategies to help you be well. This workshop will explore the services available to you through the Student Wellness Centre, the dimensions of wellness, and tips for staying well during the job search. Open to all Laurier Master’s and PhD students. This workshop is run by Claire, Wellness Education Coordinator, and counts towards the Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 1, 3 to 4 p.m. | Register in advance.
Do you find it difficult to turn off the critical voice inside your head? Drop in to learn how to practice self-compassion to improve your mood, increase your resiliency and motivation, and feel more comfortable with yourself overall. This workshops is run by Sam, a counsellor from the Student Wellness Centre and counts as an elective toward the Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
Distress tolerance teaches practical skills for supporting you when feeling overwhelming emotions. In this workshop, we will explore tolerating painful feelings, and when to use DBT crisis survival skills. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Nov. 8, 3 to 4 p.m. | Register in advance.
Learn what works, and what doesn't, in terms of behaviours that affect anxiety and depression. We will discuss the ways our behaviours impact mood and learn strategies to interrupt the cycles of anxiety or depression. This workshop is run by Sherrie, a counsellor from the Student Wellness Centre, and it counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 8, 7 to 8 p.m. | Register in advance.
Learn about holistic wellness, and how you can take a proactive, preventative approach to build wellness in each of the seven dimensions of wellness. This workshop is led by Leo, the Wellness Education Assistant, and is one of the core workshops required to complete our Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 9, 2 to 3 p.m. | Register in advance.
Searching for housing can take a toll on mental and overall well-being. Join Claire Howarth, Wellness Education Coordinator, as we explore strategies to stay well during your search for housing, and beyond. We will discuss and share practical strategies for coping and managing stress, and also developing and maintaining healthy relationships with roommates. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
This workshop will explore distress tolerance skills with radical acceptance, and willingness versus wilfulness. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Nov. 15, 3 to 4 p.m. | Register in advance.
In this workshop, we will explore the reasons for procrastination and some of the ways to overcome it. This workshop is led by Heather, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, and counts as an elective toward the Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 15, 7 to 8 p.m. | Register in advance.
Sleep is often one of the first things to go when we are busy. In this session, we will go through ways to improve your sleeping habits and learn how a sleep routine can positively impact your mental health and overall well-being. This workshop is led by Claire, Wellness Education Coordinator, and is one of the core workshops in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 16, 7 to 8 p.m. | Register in advance.
Food, mood, and learning are all closely linked, but when you're short on time and money it can be difficult to meal plan and prep for success. This workshop will provide you with practical strategies you can start using immediately to overcome common barriers to nutrition as a student so you can keep your body fueled and brain sharp! This workshop is led by Claire, the Wellness Education Coordinator, and Heather, a Registered Dietitian. This is one of the core workshops in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 21 | 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
Interpersonal effectiveness looks at how to build and maintain relationships including with romantic partners, friends, and family. In this workshop, we will learn about interpersonal effectiveness and the skill of validation. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Nov. 22, 3 to 4 p.m. | Register in advance.
What do we do when it seems like everything is going wrong and we feel overwhelmed? This workshop will help you learn how to notice when things are sliding, and teach you strategies to manage those strong emotions. This workshop is run by Sherrie, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, and counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.
Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
In this workshop, we will continue to build skills for maintaining relationships and for communicating with those in our lives. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Nov. 29, 3 to 4 p.m. | Register in advance.
Learn ways to handle performance anxiety, improve your mental game, and find inner calm during midterms and exams. This workshop will also address the additional stresses caused by online exams. This workshops is run by a clinical counsellor from the Student Wellness Centre and counts as an elective toward the Wellness Education Certificate.
Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to noon | Register in advance.
This final workshop in the DBT in a Nutshell series continues to explore relationship and self-respect effectiveness including standing up for yourself and feeling good about yourself.
Did you attend a previous workshop and want to share your thoughts? Use our workshop feedback form. We always appreciate feedback so let us know what you would like to see from us in the future.
Wellness Education Certificate
Laurier students can earn the Wellness Education Certificate by attending five required wellness education activities and completing a short reflection on their learning.
After you complete the four required workshops plus one elective, apply for the Wellness Education Certificate on Navigator for inclusion on your Laurier Experience Record.