Raising Awareness at Wellness Fairs
Over the past several months, high schools in K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83 hosted Wellness Fairs to raise awareness about the services and supports available to students both in school and in their community.
Tanya Harrington, District Vice Principal of Student Wellness, commented that the fairs focus on promoting overall student wellness.
“Community partners bring activities or games to engage the students in learning facts about physical and mental health, substance use, wellness strategies, and the importance of taking care of themselves.”
The events welcomed a variety of participants, including a family physician, substance use counsellors, a nurse practitioner, a pharmacist, and representatives from youth employment, the RCMP, Interior Health, the library, Foundry Youth Services, mental health, Aspiral Youth Partnership, Boys’ and Girls’ Club, SAFE Society, Archway Society, the Integrated Child and Youth Team (ICY), among others.
These fairs not only provide students with valuable information but also foster collaboration among community partners. This collaboration helps strengthen the network of services available to youth, ensuring comprehensive, wraparound care.
Approximately 100 students participated in each Wellness Fair, engaging in learning and games about wellness education and the support systems available through their schools and the community.
Following the fairs, school staff generally see an increase in students accessing community supports, both within the Wellness Centres and through their school Counselling Centres. Feedback from the fairs has been positive, with one hosting school highlighting that the events provided excellent exposure to resources and services for students while also promoting collaboration among service providers.
These Wellness Fairs support SD83’s Strategic Plan by improving student health and wellness while strengthening and expanding relationships with community groups and agencies that assist students.
The District would like to extend a huge Thank You! to the many community partners who participated in the 2024 Wellness Fairs, helping to promote health and wellness services available for students.