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.

Registration is required, space is limited.

As part of CMHA Mental Health Week’s focus on connection, Student Health and Wellness is offering safeTALK, an evidence-based training that helps you recognize and respond to someone who may be thinking about suicide. This session will be led by SHW Manager of Wellness, Irene Pugliese, and is offered at no cost to Lakehead students, staff, and faculty. Registration is required.

safeTALK prepares participants to become suicide-alert helpers by building practical, hands-on skills you can use in everyday situations—whether in the classroom, workplace, or community.

In this training, you will:

• Learn to recognize opportunities to support someone who may be having thoughts of suicide
• Develop skills to engage in a supportive conversation and connect individuals to appropriate resources
• Practice a clear, practical intervention model—similar to First Aid/CPR training—to respond with confidence

This workshop is especially valuable for those in helping or student-facing roles but is open to anyone interested in strengthening their ability to support others. The skills gained are meaningful, transferable, and can make a real difference in someone’s life.

The It’s Your Move Crew is bringing back our summer-long challenge to log 100 hours of physical activity!

Once you sign up, you’ll receive a link to our Strava group, where we’ll share weekly updates, encouragement, and resources to help you reach your goal. You’ll also be able to connect with and cheer on your fellow Thunderwolves throughout the summer.

Who can join?
This challenge is open to current students, incoming students, staff, faculty, and alumni from both campuses but only students are eligible for prizes.

Prizes:

• Students who reach milestones will receive Student Health & Wellness and Campus Rec swag

How It Works:

✅ Sign up before June 5 and join the It’s Your Move Strava group
✅ Tracking runs from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, August 30, 2026 
✅ Log your activities in Strava (manually or by syncing your fitness tracker/smartwatch)
✅ We’ll track your progress and celebrate your milestones along the way
✅ Get moving and make your move!

Are you ready to make your move?

FAQ

Q: Do I need a Strava Account?

A: Yes, in order to fully participate in the community aspect of It's Your Move, a Strava Account is necessary. You can create a free Strava Account here: https://www.strava.com/register/free. Please note it is not necessary to purchase any of the subscriptions associated with Strava to participate in It's Your Move Challenges.

Q: Do I need to use my phone or a GPS Tracking Device?

A: No! A GPS Tracker is not necessary to participate, as you can manually input your runs onto Strava using these instructions if you prefer to run without a GPS tracker or phone.

Q: I already use a fitness tracker, do I need to record my exercise twice?

A: Most popular fitness tracking apps (Apple, Fitbit, Garmin) can upload data to Strava through syncing software. See how to sync your wearable or app here: https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/223297187-How-to-get-your-Activities-to-Strava

Q: What kind of activities can I upload to Strava?

Except for virtual rides and runs, you can record any of the following sport types with the Strava mobile app. If you're recording with a third-party device or app and syncing to Strava, you may not see the recorded sport type reflected on Strava. However, once any activity is uploaded or synced to Strava, you can edit the activity to change the sport type to any supported sport type. Please be aware that some of Strava's features are currently only available for our three core sport types, riding, running, and swimming. Foot Sports  Run  Hike  Trail Run Wheelchair Walk   Cycle Sports  Ride  E-Bike Ride  Mountain Bike Ride  E-Mountain Bike Ride  Gravel Ride  Velomobile  Handcycle   Water Sports  Canoe  Stand Up Paddling  Kayak  Surf  Kitesurf  Swim  Rowing  Windsurf  Sailing   Winter Sports  Ice Skate  Nordic Ski Alpine Ski Snowboard Backcountry Ski  Snowshoe Other Sports  Workout  Golf  Badminton  Eliptical Basketball  Inline Skate  Skateboarding  Tennis  Stair Stepper  Padel  Rock Climb  Football (Soccer)  Pickleball  Weight Training  Volleyball Roller Ski   Squash  Crossfit  Yoga Dance Table Tennis  Pilates  Racquetball  HIIT  Cricket

See how the It's Your Move Crew is doing:

Feeling a little digitally drained after the semester? Join SHW for a 7-day Digital Reset designed to help you build a healthier, more intentional relationship with your screens.

Each day, you’ll receive a short email with practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce screen time.

What to expect:

• One short email per day (April 27 – May 3)
• Simple, realistic strategies you can try right away
• Follow up survey to compare 

Sign up by April 26 at midnight, first email will be sent on Monday, April 27.

Lead by Sara Melvin

Forest Therapy is based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing), which in its simplest definition is, taking in the forest atmosphere.  Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest, heightening awareness and forming a deeper connection to nature.  As a certified forest therapy guide, Sara deeply believes in the healing power of nature and how it can calm, refresh and rejuvenate our souls.  Walks provide an intentional space to slow down, breathe deeply and remember the quiet strength that lives within you. You will participate in sensory experiences full of wander and wonder.  Throughout the walk, Sara will offer invitations, allowing you to pause, breathe, give yourself permission to be present and opportunities for personal reflection and sharing. Each walk is concluded with a tea ceremony.

Spaces are limited and registration is required.

As part of CMHA Mental Health Week’s focus on connection, we invite faculty and staff to drop in and connect with the people, spaces, and supports that make up Student Health and Wellness.

Take a guided look through our newly renovated space and learn how our counselling, medical, and wellness teams work together to support student wellbeing. This is a chance to meet the team, ask questions, and better understand how to connect students to the right supports.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence in referring students or simply want to see what we offer, we’d love to welcome you in. Resources will be available, and staff will be on hand to chat.

Take a moment to connect; with yourself, with others, and with the space around you, during CMHA Mental Health Week. Join SHW Counsellor Holly Maki for a calming outdoor meditation session at the Climate Action Park beside Lake Tamblyn. This guided practice offers a chance to slow down, be present, and foster a sense of connection through mindfulness and nature.

Open to all members of the Lakehead community: students, staff, and faculty are welcome. No experience necessary.

In case of inclement weather, the session will be moved indoors to the Student Health and Wellness Activity Room.

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

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

Open to students, staff and faculty.

Drop-in HIV Testing will be available on campus with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

This event is open to all members of the Lakehead community; no appointment or health card required. Testing is quick and confidential.

Public health nurses will also be able to answer any questions you may have about sexual health in a supportive, judgment-free space.