Did you know that direct person-to-person contact triggers parts of our nervous system that could help us be more resilient to stress factors in the long run? Social interaction, even just bumping fists or giving someone a high five is enough to release oxytocin, which sets of a chain reaction that lowers your stress. Who knew that a simple high five could do that? (more info on why this is important can be found here)
There is so much evidence out there to support the positives of social interaction and taking notice of and participating in the little things - from physical health to mental health, life longevity, to pain reduction. It's incredible! We are aware that the comfort level of social interaction varies for everyone but we are hopeful there will be something you may like to join in on.
So this Canadian Mental Health Week (May 2-8), we are encouraging you to take part in one or more of these activities - or any other activity that brings interaction, and see how it makes you feel. We have partnered with a number of community and regional agencies and groups to provide this (thank you!), and each one has a special nod and info related to mental health and wellness.
For more information about how Devon FCSS can support you or a loved one, follow this link.
If you like Did You Know facts... check these out...
The Devon Public Library and Devon FCSS are looking for submissions for the Community Voices Poetry Gathering for Mental Health Week.
The topic for submissions is "What mental health / wellness means or looks like to you".
Mental health and mental wellness looks different for everyone. We are inviting you to write a poem or a short story (max 500 words) to share with the public over Mental Health Week (May 2-8, 2022), and beyond, that captures what it means to you.
All entries will be posted on our websites, Facebook and Instagram, with potential for the Dispatch and other media. You can enter with a request to remain anonymous when publishing.
All submissions will be put into a draw to win one of three $50 gift cards.
Submission deadline: April 26, 2022
Open to any Devon resident and youth aged 12+ registered at a Devon school.
To enter:
Read the instructions on this form (fillable PDF - either print it out or get a hard copy from the library) complete, and provide it with your typed or block printed submission to Leigha@devonpubliclibrary.ca or drop off at the library by APRIL 26.
Open to Devon residents and those whith a child registered at a Devon school only. We thank everyone for their submission and will share all eligible / appropriate entries.
We challenge you to 15 minutes a day, for one week (May 2-8) to focus on mental health and wellbeing – something done with intention to make your (or someone else’s) day a little bit better. What that looks like is up to you. Make a phone call, do some breathing exercises, join in one of our many programs, meet someone for coffee, be kind, stop and smell the air on the trails. So many options! See how each little thing really can make a difference.
Date: Mental Health Week, May 2-8, 2022.
For full details, ideas, and how to enter are available at devon.ca/120minutes
Send your email entry to Devon FCSS at FCSS@devon.ca by midnight, Sunday, May 8.
Mindfulness 101
Want to learn how to focus on the present and why that is important? This 101 session will focus on the basics of mindful behaviour, provide some guided meditation, breathing techniques, a little bit of the science behind it and how to use it in everyday life.
Time: 6:30-8pm Place: Devon Community Centre, Claypool Room Age: 15+ Cost: Free Registration deadline: April 26
Social Knitwork
Do you like to knit/crochet or wish to learn? Join us for this special event to support mental wellness. Come with your project, be introduced to new ones or simply just start stitching. Share info & tips. Colunteers will be available to help beginners learn.
Time: 6:30-8pm Place: Devon Library Age: 8+ (with adult) Cost: Free Drop-in (but please notify office if you require starter pack by April 26)
Youth ARTventure
Join in for a four-week art expression series. Through a creative outlet strengthen your self-esteem, resiliency, self-identity, and mindfulness. Enjoy this positive mood boosting series.
Dates: May 3, 10, 17, 24 Time: 6:00-7:30pm Place: Devon Community Centre, Braun Hall Age: 10-12 Cost: $40 Registration deadline: April 26
Pizza & Pool Guys Night
Guys, this one is just for you. Join us for pizza, darts and pool for a chill night out. All that is free but you’re on your own for any alcohol. Open to non-Legion members too. Pizza served fresh at 7pm(ish).
Time: 6:30-9 p.m. Place: Devon Legion Ages: 18+ Cost: Free (except any drinks)
Virtues Pick Café
Join us for this special mental wellbeing Virtues Pick Café. Learn what Virtues are, what they may mean to you, how to recognize them in yourself and others and why they are important in becoming your best self and enhance your relationships.
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Place: Virtual via Zoom Ages: Youth 15+ and Adults Cost: Free Email FCSS@devon.ca to register
Family Bingo
Fun for all the family. Suitable for children of all ages. Please note, this is for families with younger children and youth, anyone registering will need to have at least one person under 17 in their group. Each registrant will get their own set of Bingo cards. Open to any Devon family or any family with a child registered at a Devon school. Small gift card prizes.
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Place: Devon Community Centre Ages: Families with children and youth 17 and under attending Cost: Free Registration deadline: April 26
Kindness Conversations
TBD (Library?)
RCMP/CPO vs. Youth - Ball Hockey Game
Want to face-off in a friendly game of ball hockey? Bring your stick (we have spares if you don’t have one) and join in. This is an unsupervised session - play at own risk. Helmets recommended.
Time: 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Place: Holy Spirit Playground All ages 8+ welcome Drop-in
Seniors Connect - Charades
Gather as a team in some friendly competition with each other. Snacks, laughs and refreshments offered!
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Place: Devon Community Centre Ages 55+ Register: CSOC@devon.ca or 780-987-8308 by April 26
Devon Community Indoor Playground Special
Join us for this mental wellness focus special session. This one will be lead, in part, by our early childhood specialist, Miss Kathy. Spend quality time with other parents while your children play. We will also be including a short break to focus on taking positive time-out as a parent. This is open to anyone who has attended the indoor playground in 2021 or 2022. There will also be snacks and refreshments.
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Place: Devon Community Centre Age: 0-6 years Cost: Free Registration deadline: April 26
Outdoor Mental Wellness Walk
Come explore Devon’s trails and join in for a leisurely social walk and then learn about why being outside is good for your mental health, while we chat over a picnic lunch (pre-registration required or bring your own). Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only) 780-910-1960.
Time: 10 a.m. Place: Up Voyageur Hill and down Legs of Fire stairs. Age: All and dogs on leash welcome too Cost: Free to all Devon residents (non-Devon residents will be charged $10 for the picnic lunch) Registration Deadline: April 26 Call p: 780-987-8308 or email: CSOC@devon.ca
Note: In the event of severe weather, walks may be cancelled.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls & 2Spirit+ Event
See www.devon.ca/mmiwg2s+ for details
Seniors Coffee Chat
Join in to connect with others for a friendly chat and hear updates about programing from the Town. Coffee and tea is on us! Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only) 780-910-1960. Must be booked by noon, Thursday, May 5.
Time: 10-11 a.m. Place: A&W Ages: 60+ Cost: Free Drop-In
Music Jam for Mental Health
In partnership with Pioneer 73 Club, join us for a special evening of their legendary music jam event. Bring your instrument to play along or simply come and enjoy the vibe… singing, dancing and music… snacks and refreshments too. Everyone welcome! Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only) 780-910-1960. Must be booked by noon, Thursday, May 5.
Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Place: Devon Community Centre Ages: All Cost: Free Any questions: call 780-987-8325
Crafting with Mom
Girls and boys grab your Mom (or any other significant female role model in your life) and join us for a fun evening making a beautiful craft together to keep or share! Just in time for Mother’s Day!
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm Place: Urban Whyte 17 Athabasca Ave #112 Ages: Suitable for children 8+ and their adult Cost: $10 per child Registration Deadline: April 26
Games Galore!
Gather your friends and families to enjoy an afternoon of drop-in games. Check out the huge variety of board games to play from old family favorites to new puzzles and cooperative games. All ages are welcome to attend, parental supervision may be required. Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only) 780-910-1960. Must be booked by noon, Thursday, May 5.
Time: 2-4pm Place: Devon Community Centre Cost: Free Ages: 8+ years Registration Deadline: None
Story Sharing
Do you want to share your entry to the poetry / story submissions for Mental Health Week? How about reading someone else’s poem or an extract that means something to you? Whatever it is, we would love to hear it. Come join us for this cozy afternoon “show and share” coffee time. Please be advised this may cover sensitive topics. We do ask that all participants not read anything with profanity or provocative language.
Time Location: Devon Public Library Cost: Free Ages: 12+ Registration deadline: none