The Au Contraire Film Festival strives to erase the stigma and dispel the myths surrounding mental illness. In partnership with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the ACFF is a signature initiative of Urban Pardes, a registered charity benefiting mental health initiatives. The ACFF is proud to associate and be the film source for the Bell Let’s Talk campaign.

Before You Watch the Films

Watching these films might trigger some different or upsetting thoughts and feelings.

• If they do, talk with a supportive resource, be they a friend, a relative or a professional. Do not feel shy about pausing or turning off the film.
• Feel free to reach out- book an appointment with a counsellor at Student Health and Wellness, call or text Good2Talk or if you need immediate support, reach out to crisis response in your area.
• If you’re watching in a group setting, be supportive and attentive of those who are openly expressing their experiences. You might be learning something about yourself or a family member.

Watch this year's films here- https://bellletstalk.acff.ca/

Offered in collaboration with Human Resources

This Thrive Week, we are challenging you to submit a photo of your favourite wellness activity and we are ready to give away a prize to those who show us how they are taking care of themselves. Whether it's walking, meditating, painting, cooking, pet therapy, etc. we want to see how you practice wellness! Submissions may be shared to inspire other members of the Lakehead community to practice wellness in their own lives.

Contest and Submission Details:

• Open to Lakehead students, staff and faculty with a prize for the best student and for the best staff/faculty submission. 
• The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 28 at 12 pm.
• One photo submission per person 
• Amateur photos only

The winner will be decided by judges from Student Health and Wellness and will be contacted via email. 

Photos can be submitted via this google form.

Join us for one hour of fun and excitement as we play Jackbox games. Get ready to put your skills to the test through fun and engaging games! 

Join us for one hour of relaxation by taking part in our YouTube yoga session. We will be playing a beginner's yoga session, so come ready to relax, unwind, and get your body moving!

Offered by Student Health and Wellness counsellor Alexa Hiebert. Within this workshop, students will be guided through the process of evaluating their current coping strategies, learning about the various categories of self-care, and developing a plan to better support themselves when faced with isolation, loneliness, life transitions and stress. This workshop is interactive and will allow for students to share their self-care ideas with other students. 

Hosted by the LU Mental Health Peer Support Club

Jack Talks are mental health presentations delivered by young people to young people. Trained and certified youth speakers use the power of personal stories and mental health education to inspire, engage, educate, and equip young people to look out for themselves and their peers.

Keep the positivity going this Thrive Week by doing an act of kindness ♥

Submit your acts of kindness through the link to enter for a chance to win a gift card to a spa in your area! We can't wait to see all the kindness in our Orillia Thunderwolf family! This form will be available January 24 - 28.

Open to Orillia students only.

Click here to submit your act of kindness.

As a part of Thrive week, share messages of support and hope for your fellow Lakehead students on our virtual Wall of Kindness ♥ Send in your messages from January 24 - 28!

Click here to add a positive message on our Wall of Kindness.