Mental Illness Awareness Week

This week marks Mental Illness Awareness Week, with World Mental Health Day coming up on Friday, October 10th. This is a time to reflect on the importance of emotional well-being and the power of community support.

Students at A.L. Fortune Secondary, Eagle River Secondary, J.L. Jackson, Pleasant Valley Secondary, and Salmon Arm Secondary are engaging in Fall Wellness Fairs, connecting with local services, and learning about tools for mental health and wellness.

One of the most moving initiatives from last school year is now featured in the Shine A Light art exhibition at the Salmon Arm Art Gallery. Students from Eagle River Secondary were invited to explore the question: “What does anxiety mean to you?”  Through small group conversations and individual reflection, they expressed their personal experiences and challenges with anxiety, and shared healthy strategies for coping. Their voices and creativity shine a light on resilience, understanding, and hope.

This year’s Shine a Light on Mental Health exhibition runs from September 6 – November 19, 2025. It is a collaborative project showcasing the creativity of 12 community groups, each contributing heartfelt work inspired by the theme of hope, help, and healing.

Families looking for support can explore Multi-Language Mental Health Resources for Families from BC Children’s Hospital Kelty Mental Health, and the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Language Matters – An Introductory Guide for Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use: A Resource for Families and School Communities guide, which helps communities talk about mental health and substance use with compassion and clarity. Together, these efforts shine a light on resilience, understanding, and the importance of supporting one another.