The World Health Organization has declared October 10th as World Mental Health Day. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders, working on mental health issues, to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. The narrative around mental health is slowly changing for the better, although we still have a long way to go. In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. Awareness and education surrounding mental health is crucial.
Individuals with lived experience, their care partners, employers, and human service providers are all impacted in one way or another by the mental health problems or illness.
Partners in Mental Health and Well Being is excited to host the first annual Mental Health Conference at Gallagher Center in Yorkton, SK on October 5th. We’ve rounded up amazing speakers and self-care advocates.
We would love for you to join us! We have an incredible day planned. Meals included. Only 140 tickets available.
The event is currently sold out. Thank you for your interest and support!
Speakers and Instructors
Allan Kehler
You know that moment when someone asks, “How you are doing?” and through a forced smile you respond with, “Good.” But in reality, you are far from good.
Allan’s captivating message will empower you to remove your mask and put a voice to your challenges. Get ready to participate in an interactive quiz, and learn how to effectively talk to others about their mental health.
Through Allan’s captivating story of resilience and hope, you will learn how to share your own story, embrace vulnerability, and connect to yourself and others in a more authentic way. By finding your own voice, you will be able to inspire others to find theirs.
Biography
Allan Kehler is one of Canada’s most sought-after speakers when it comes to the topic of mental health. His captivating storytelling and practical approach touches on many critical topics today – including mental health, psychological safety, suicide, substance use, resilience, and wellness.
“I know first-hand what it feels like to have lost my voice, and I also know what it feels like to have found it. I have dedicated my time and energy to strengthen the conversation around mental health so that others don’t have to suffer in silence the same way as I did. I have learned that vulnerability equals strength. The more we share, put our walls down, and get real, the more we connect with others and most importantly ourselves. Together, let’s create a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment that proactively addresses issues of mental wellness.”
Tim Barlow
Laughter Wellness Therapy (Laughing Yoga) provides a well-being workout promoting a healthy and joyful life.
This is achieved by practicing the following exercises:
- Inviting Play
- Rhythmic Activities
- Breathing Exercises
- Positive Reinforcement
Laughter has been shown to stimulate/boost the immune system, alleviate pain, reduce anxiety and stress, reduce depression, and promote a sense of hopefulness. What if you don’t feel like laughing? No problem, fake it until you make it. Physiologically speaking, for the most part, your body doesn’t know the difference. Faking it often leads to the real thing which may be exactly the health supplement you need to get to the positive side of negative circumstances.
Biography
Tim Barlow (The Laughing Lion) is a British/Canadian Musician, Songwriter and Dad who is actively promoting Laughter Wellness to enrich the Canadian Prairies and send peace, love, happiness and joy out to the entire universe. He has run Laughter Wellness sessions at Festivals, Coffee Shops, Yoga Studios, Mental Health Events, Community Outreach Programs, Schools, Youth Groups, Wellness Expositions, Care Homes and Workplace Team Building Events. He has over 20 years of musical on-stage experience across Europe and Canada and after starting a family it was a natural progression to write and perform children’s music. Described as the English Fred Penner he juggles stories of family life with nursery rhymes and movement songs to engage the audience in a campfire sing-a-long experience. His life mission is to promote love, good health and happiness through Laughter Wellness, Music and the Performing Arts. Tim is fluent in Positive Vibrations and is currently working on a Laughing Musical entitled ‘I Don’t Laugh Because I’m Happy, I’m Happy Because I Laugh’
Phyllis O'Connor
We will also have the opportunity to hear from Phyllis O’Connor, the Executive Director of Canadian Mental Health Association (SK Division). In her role, she works closely with front line human service providers, volunteers, and care partners. Phyllis will speak about Compassion Fatigue, experienced by those who care for people living with mental illness.
Biography
With over 23 years of experience working at the Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatchewan Division) Inc., and 6 years in the role of Executive Director, Phyllis O’Connor has a passion for promoting and supporting the rights of persons with mental illness to maximize their full potential, as well as promoting and enhancing the mental health and well-being of all members of the community.
She has a special interest in the area of workplace wellness and has completed several professional development courses on the topic of workplace accommodation for people experiencing mental health challenges. She actively works to keep up on emerging trends in labour law concerning people with disabilities, including mental illness.
Phyllis firmly believes that with the proper supports in place, recovery is possible and people with mental illness can become valuable members of the workforce and their community. She strongly believes in partnership and collaboration. Mental health is a huge topic and the need for timely, adequate and accessible services is great. Alone we can realize small successes but if we work together we can move mountains.
Corliss Rassyle
Your Best Life will inspire positivity, purpose, and overall positive mental, emotional, and physical health. The teachings are universal and will appeal to every person attending, providing them with practical steps they can take to be their best. In a down-to-earth and relatable way, Corliss will inspire your community to lead their best life- and that it is possible for them.
Biography
Corliss Rassyle is a Canadian inspirational speaker, a certified Success Principles Coach, Dare to Lead trainer and the Founder and CEO of Corliss Co. Consulting Inc. She is the best-selling author of the book Lead Your Life; How to Live With Purpose, Passion and Confidence and the host of one of Canada’s most popular self-improvement podcasts, Conversations With Corliss.
Corliss Rassyle is deeply passionate about helping people overcome their challenges with a focus on personal empowerment. Corliss understands that mental health is the foundation of all health and through real-life experiences and heartwarming stories, she helps transform negative beliefs and provides practical tools to create lasting change.
Melissa Krochak
We will end the day with chair Kundalini Yoga and meditation led by Melissa Krochak.
Biography
Being drawn to natural healing almost her whole life, Melissa is a practicing massage therapist, personal training, nutrition coach, and yoga teacher.
She loves to share the power of yoga on top of all these other powerful modalities and will share with you some powerful, quick and effective tools for energy, balancing depression and anxiety, boosting your mood and concentration.
Kundalini yoga has changed her life in many ways, and it can change the dynamic of your entire day in a matter of 7 to 22 minutes! The changes happen quick and all it takes is some movement, breathing and maybe saying a few mantras!