Thrive at your own pace this week by downloading the Thrive Week Challenge Card and aim to complete different health supporting activities throughout the week.

Lakehead employees are invited to complete a square from each category and submit your card before noon on January 26th for a chance to win a prize from Human Resources.

To see the entire employee Thrive schedule, visit lakeheadu.ca/EmployeesThrive

Open to staff and faculty.

Have something nice to share about a Lakehead employee?

We all know individuals who make our campus a better place - those who demonstrate a commitment towards the continued success and well-being of the entire Lakehead University community.

Join us throughout the week to write a beautiful anonymous message on our Digital Wall of Champions for all to see. Please share a positive message or story about a staff or faculty who makes a difference in our Lakehead community!

In the summer of 2017, the Superior Mental Wellness @ Work project asked the community to portray their mental health at work through creative photography.

REAL images and stories were submitted by REAL people who bravely and honestly answered two questions:

• How do you really feel at work?
• How do you take care of your mental health at work?

This exhibit features a collection of photos and captions selected from the submissions received. Each one is unique but collectively, they shed light on the reality of mental health in the workplace. The goals of the campaign are to reduce the stigma associated with talking about employee mental health and to inspire positive change towards healthy workplaces for everyone!

Check out some of the entries received in the video below.

***The Get Real Photovoice campaign is a project of the Superior Mental Wellness @ Work advisory group. Their mission is to create workplace environments that reduce psychological hazards and maintain positive mental health for employees in Thunder Bay and District. 

To see the entire employee Thrive schedule, visit lakeheadu.ca/EmployeesThrive

Open to all Lakehead community members.

Take a daily movement break at one of our movement stations!
There is one station for every day of the week. 

• Station 1: Fitness room (in residence)
• Station 2: Down the promenade toward the driveway
• Station 3: Equipment Locker (in residence)  
• Station 4: Multi-sport surface
• Station 5: Top of stairs in OA

Scan the QR code at each movement station for a chance to win a yoga mat! (One prize draw entry per station)

Open to all students, faculty, and staff.

Take a break and enjoy some quality family time at our Family Movie Matinee! We'll be watching Paddington 2.

This free event offers a cozy and fun activity to relax, connect, and recharge together. 

Bring your little ones and settle in for an afternoon of entertainment with a family-friendly movie on the big screen. Popcorn will be provided.

Open to students, faculty and staff.

Thrive Week is back on campus! Join us at the Orsi Family Learning Commons to kick off Thrive Week with coffee and snacks, grab your 2025 Thrive Kit, and learn about all the awesome events being held this week.

Get ready to Thrive! 

This event is open to students, faculty, and staff. Thrive Kits are for students only.

Our friends at Precious Paws Rescue are coming to campus for the cutest kind of stress relief: a puppy social! Drop by to visit with the puppies.

Open to students, faculty, and staff.

Join us for an online presentation where we'll guide you through how to navigate the GreenShield platform, register and login to your account, and effectively utilize the website and GreenShield+ app. Discover how to access important online resources and tools, such as finding eligible providers and submitting claims electronically. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to effectively utilize your GreenShield health, dental, vision, and travel benefits.

Summary

Caleigh and Jonathon discussed the upcoming Thrive Week GreenShield event and the use of Zoom for the event. They also presented on GreenShield's 65-year history, its mission to improve health for Canadians, and its new healthcare services and tools, including telemedicine, digital pharmacy, mental health services, and a new Well-being portal. They also introduced the GreenShield Women's Mental Health Program, the GreenShield Card, and the new GreenShield website, emphasizing the importance of self-service online and the various ways to connect with GreenShield.

Come and enjoy some quality time with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs. 🐶 🐾 😁

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, need a break from studying, or simply love dogs, this visit is a perfect opportunity to press paws with some furry friends!

Open to students, faculty, and staff!

Join us for Let's Get Active: a series of engaging fitness classes and activities exclusively for Lakehead graduate students, faculty, and staff! Hosted by Athletics and Student Health and Wellness, these sessions are designed to promote physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of community within our campus.

Each class will offer a unique opportunity to engage in different forms of exercise, from yoga and bocce to strength training and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to destress, stay active, or try something new, there's something for everyone!

January's session will be part of Thrive Week and will be a yoga class facilitated by Modo Yoga

Details:

• Who: Lakehead graduate students, faculty, and staff.
• Cost: $5 per session to cover costs of instructors, equipment, or refreshments, depending on the activity.
• Registration: Required for all classes. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early: https://luathletics.lakeheadu.ca/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=0fcb...

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your well-being and connect with others in the Lakehead community!

Join us to Kick off Thrive Week at Heritage Place! Drop by for coffee and snacks, grab your 2025 Thrive Kit, and learn about all the awesome events being held this week.

Get ready to Thrive! 

This event is open to students, faculty, and staff. Thrive Kits are for students only.

Take a break and drop by Thunderwolves Thrive in the Agora! This casual, drop-in event is open to all members of the Lakehead community. Connect with your fellow Thunderwolves, enjoy light refreshments, and grab some exclusive giveaways provided by Bell Let’s Talk.

Representatives from Student Health and Wellness and Human Resources will be on hand to share information about the many well-being supports available to students, staff, and faculty. Whether you’re looking for resources, a conversation, or just a moment to relax, this event is for you.

See the rest of the Thrive schedule at lakeheadu.ca/thrive.

Join Student Health and Wellness for live, counsellor-led mindful meditation sessions every Wednesday in our activity room.

No experience necessary – whether you are new to mindfulness or practice regularly, having the support of a group can help strengthen your practice.

Open to all Lakehead students, staff and faculty.

Join the conversation by sharing your mental health message, picking up some Bell Let's Talk swag, and connecting with fellow Thunderwolves. #BellLetsTalk

This event is open to students, staff, and faculty.

Join the conversation by sharing your mental health message, picking up some Bell Let's Talk swag, and connecting with fellow Thunderwolves. #BellLetsTalk

This event is open to students, staff, and faculty.

Let's Be Real Webinar Series

We continue our Let’s Be Real webinar series with Canadian broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg. This month’s episode: Blue Monday – Is it Real?

Is Blue Monday just a myth, or is there more to how winter affects our mental health? In this engaging discussion, Michael will share pre-recorded interviews with Dr. Dan Riskin, evolutionary biologist and host of Animal Planet, and Lucas Cochran, tech correspondent for The Daily Planet and mental health champion.

Alongside panel guests Katerina Alexopoulos, M.S.W., R.S.W, Karma Stanley, RPN, LPN, and Harriet Ekperigin, Vice President-People Success & Transformation at GreenShield, they’ll explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), its impact on well-being, and simple strategies to lift your spirits this season. 

Sign up now to claim your spot!

We invite you to submit questions to Michael in advance at TheBigShow@greenshield.ca.

Student Health and Wellness invites instructors and faculty to visit the Wellness Centre to discuss mental health at Lakehead. Check out the Wellness Centre to learn about what supports and services are available to students and what resources can be incorporated into your practice and classroom to support student well-being.

Open to faculty and staff.

safeTALK is a 4-hour, in-person workshop to build skills in suicide prevention. Participants will learn how to recognize and engage with someone thinking about suicide, overcome attitudes that act as barriers to help, talk openly about suicide and connect with intervention resources for further support.

Through presentations, audiovisuals, small group discussion and scenario practice, you will learn a 4-step TALK model and practical steps to help activate a suicide alert that connects people having thoughts of suicide with more specialized intervention care and relevant resources.

All participants will receive a learning booklet, resources and a Certificate of Completion.

Open to students, staff and faculty. Registration is required, space is limited. Sign Up

See the rest of the Thrive schedule at lakeheadu.ca/thrive.

Join SHW counsellor, Holly Maki, to dip your toes into mindfulness. This session includes an introduction to mindfulness where we hope to create some “aha moments” about mindfulness, maybe even inspiring you to want to know more.  Included in this session there will be an explanation of what mindfulness is, how it can be supportive to your well-being and the opportunity to participate in some brief mindfulness exercises. 

Open to students, faculty and staff. Check out the rest of the Thrive week schedule at lakeheadu.ca/Thrive

As part of Lakehead University's commitment to your health and well-being, we're excited to host a presentation of the TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This confidential service is available 24/7 to support eligible Lakehead employees and their families with various challenges, including:

• Stress management
• Mental health concerns
• Work-life balance
• Relationship and family issues
• Financial difficulties
• Legal concerns
• And much more!

Join us to learn how to access TELUS Health's EAP resources, including phone support, online resources and mobile app, the different types of support available through the program, and the benefits of using the EAP for a healthier and happier you.

Summary

Laura and Jonathon discussed their preparations for a presentation about TELUS Health EAP, with Jonathon moderating and Laura introducing the Employee Assistance Program. They also discussed the various work-life services offered, the network of experienced professionals, and the support process, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and support. Lastly, they discussed the availability of resources through the TELUS Health One app and website, and the benefits and usage of the Telus Health One Employee Assistance Program (EAP) app.

Join us for an Open House at Human Resources!

This is your chance to explore the services and supports available to our employees and learn how we can collaborate to foster a healthier, thriving campus community.

Take a tour of our space, meet our dedicated team, and discover how you can play a role in embedding wellness into your work. Enjoy light refreshments, engage in stimulating conversations with colleagues, and leave with valuable resources to support yourself and your fellow faculty and staff.

To see the entire employee Thrive schedule, visit lakeheadu.ca/EmployeesThrive

Open to all Lakehead community members.

Join us for a Staff and Faculty Open House at Student Health and Wellness! This is your chance to explore the services and supports available to our students and learn how we can collaborate to foster a healthier, thriving campus community.

Take a tour of our space, meet our dedicated team, and discover how you can play a role in embedding wellness into your work. Enjoy light refreshments, engage in meaningful conversations, and leave with resources to better support our students—and yourselves!

Open to staff and faculty.

See the rest of the Thrive schedule at lakeheadu.ca/thrive.

Crochet with Kim is back! Join Kim in the Education Library and learn how to crochet a coaster. No experience is necessary, yarn and hooks will be provided. 

All fibre arts are welcome, so please feel free to bring your own projects and hang out and chat.

This event is open to students, staff, and faculty.

Embrace the spirit of Thrive Week and take a break from your desk to enjoy the winter wonderland.

Lakehead faculty and staff are invited to a relaxing afternoon of skating on Lake Tamblyn. Bring your skates and glide across the ice. Cozy up by the firepit, enjoy some hot chocolate, and connect with colleagues in a fun social setting.

We look forward to seeing you there!

To see the entire employee Thrive schedule, visit lakeheadu.ca/EmployeesThrive

Open to staff and faculty. Students are also welcome to attend.

*Please bring your own equipment.*

_{This event is weather-dependent. Please check the Lakehead University campus weather status for any weather-related cancellations or updates.}

Get ready to cheer on your Lakehead Thunderwolves as part of Thrive Week!

Lakehead Athletics has donated tickets for faculty and staff to attend the Friday, January 24th, 6:00 PM game against the York Lions at the Wolf Den (LU Fieldhouse).

Limited Tickets Available!
These FREE employee tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 2 tickets per RSVP. Additional tickets can be purchased at the door and students get in free with their student ID. Get your free tickets by clicking the link below:

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Ticket Pickup:

• Thursday, Janaury 23rd: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Friday, January 24th: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Location: Student Central

Don't forget to wear your Lakehead gear and show your team spirit!
We look forward to seeing you there!

Go Thunderwolves!

To see the entire employee Thrive schedule, visit lakeheadu.ca/EmployeesThrive

Open to staff and faculty.

As part of Thrive Week,  Student Health and Wellness is offering safeTALK to all Lakehead students, faculty and staff.

safeTALK is a 4-hour, in-person workshop to build skills in suicide prevention. Participants will learn how to recognize and engage with someone thinking about suicide, overcome attitudes that act as barriers to help, talk openly about suicide and connect with intervention resources for further support.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion, registration is required.

Registration is required, space is limited. Register Here

Open to students, faculty, and staff!

Sometimes, it's the little things that mean the most. Drop by the HP library to indulge in 2 of our favourite little things: therapy dogs and pizza! And while you're there, add a note of the little things that bring you joy in the Happiness Jar.

Therapy Dogs will be here from 12-1pm. Pizza will arrive around 12:30pm, and available while it lasts.

This event is open to students, faculty, and staff, however, please save the pizza for students only.

Come and enjoy some quality time with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs. 🐶 🐾 😁

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, need a break from studying, or simply love dogs, this visit is a perfect opportunity to press paws with some furry friends!

Open to students, faculty, and staff!

Join us in the Student Health and Wellness Activity Room for sun salutations and downward-facing dogs this semester.

Student Health and Wellness is happy to offer FREE yoga to Lakehead students, faculty and staff. Classes are led by a qualified instructor. no experience or registration is required.

Some mats and props are available but bring your own if you have one.

Open to students, faculty, and staff!

Get ready to cheer on your Lakehead Thunderwolves as part of Thrive Week!

Lakehead Thunderwolves have donated 50 tickets to faculty and staff for the Saturday, January 25th, 7:00 PM game against the Ottawa Gee-Gees at Fort William Gardens.

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

De-stress and have some fun! Cheering on our local team is a great way to unwind and connect with colleagues in a casual setting.
Build community spirit. Show your Lakehead pride and support our talented student athletes!
Take a break from the daily grind. Sometimes the best way to recharge is to step away from work and enjoy a night out.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 2 tickets per RSVP.
Get your free tickets by clicking the link below:

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Ticket Pickup:

• Thursday, Janaury 23rd: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Friday, January 24th: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Location: Student Central

Don't forget to wear your Lakehead gear and show your team spirit!
We look forward to seeing you there!

Go Thunderwolves!

To see the entire employee Thrive schedule, visit lakeheadu.ca/EmployeesThrive

Open to staff and faculty.