Enver Creek Secondary students took a proactive approach to Mental Health Week, hosting their third annual Wellness Fair. This initiative, driven by school counsellor Kelly Janda, aimed to educate students about available community resources for mental health and wellness. Janda's vision emerged from her observation of the school's residential location, lacking nearby community hubs. The fair, held on May 6, attracted 26 community partners, including the City of Surrey, Surrey Police Service, and Emotions BC, offering workshops on online safety, substance use awareness, and healthy relationships.
The event's impact extends beyond the fair itself. Program coordinator Lauryn Rees, a 2020 graduate of École Salish Secondary, noted the increasing awareness and stigma reduction around mental health discussions among youth. Rees' personal experience in high school, where emotions were often unspoken, highlights the progress made in recent years. Surrey Schools emphasizes the fair's role in normalizing emotional conversations and help-seeking behaviors, a trend that Rees actively promotes.
This initiative exemplifies a broader shift in Surrey Schools' approach to mental health awareness. By bringing community resources directly to students, the fair creates a supportive environment, fostering connections and reducing barriers to accessing help. Janda's idea, born from her understanding of the school's context, has significantly contributed to the school's mental health initiatives, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of emotional well-being in the community.
