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For the seventh consecutive year, Queen’s is preparing for Thrive, a week-long series aimed at building positive mental health and wellness through discussion, learning, skill development, and resource sharing. While events officially kick off the week of Nov. 1, Thrive organizers are already planning for more year-round activities to better support wellness across the Queen’s community. 

“We recognize that mental health and wellness are more critical than ever and want to be able to provide additional resources and support,” says Steve Millan, Associate Vice-Principal, Human Resources. “That’s why we are shifting Thrive and taking a year-round, 365 approach, with events continuing beyond the first week of November. We hope that these events will get us all thinking more about what we need to do to thrive throughout the year.”

Thrive 365 will officially kick off on Nov. 1 with several events and learning opportunities planned, including keynote speaker Janice Brant from the Ratinenhayén:thos Kenhte:ke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre. Ratinenhayén:thos is a non-profit organization in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory dedicated to growing heirloom and Indigenous seeds, including those specific to the Rotinonshyon:ni, and ensuring the availability of healthy, local seeds for the next seven generations. The keynote will then host a 60-minute webinar on Nov. 2 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the traditional ways of knowing and doing as it relates to seed saving and planting activities, and also how these activities promote and contribute to wellness.

Some additional featured events include:

• Shoot, Snap, and Thrive - Photo Contest
• Let’s watch the Stars Together - A Virtual Tour of the Sky hosted by the Queen’s Observatory
• Deep Looking for Thrive – Enjoy artwork at Agnes Etherington Art Centre
• Inside the Castle – A Virtual Tour of the Bader College

“The pandemic has transformed our campus community in unprecedented ways, leaving many people feeling disconnected and isolated,” says Sydney Downey, Associate Director, Return to Work and Accommodation Services, Human Resources. “Thrive is meant to connect us together through collective learning and sharing and raise awareness of the wellness supports available.”

For more information, including other events, dates, and registration, visit the Thrive website. Events will continue to be offered virtually for 2021.

Other support resources for the Queen’s community and their family members can be found through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

Information about the Queen’s benefits program can be found on the Human Resources website.

Note: This story originally appeared on the Queen's Gazette.