Did you know that direct person-to-person contact triggers parts of our nervous system that could help us be more resilient to stress factors in the long run? Social interaction, even just bumping fists or giving someone a high five is enough to release oxytocin, which sets of a chain reaction that lowers your stress. Who knew that a simple high five could do that? (more info on why this is important can be found here)
There is so much evidence out there to support the positives of social interaction and taking notice of and participating in the little things - from physical health to mental health, life longevity, to pain reduction. It's incredible! We are aware that the comfort level of social interaction varies for everyone but we are hopeful there will be something you may like to join in on.
So in honour of Canadian Mental Health Week, May 1-7, we are encouraging you to take part in one or more of these activities - or any other activity that brings interaction, and see how it makes you feel. We have partnered with a number of community and regional agencies and groups to provide this (thank you!), and each one has a special nod and info related to mental health and wellness.
For more information about how Devon FCSS can support you or a loved one, follow this link.
If you like Did You Know facts... check these out...
This is a simple opportunity for you to take part and focus on yourself for one minute a day. It may not sounds a lot, but the idea is to get you used to thinking about yourself so that you can expand on it and see that it doesn't need to be a big time commitment to have an impact. For more information, follow this link to a Canadian Mental Health website.
Deadline to return your entry is midnight, June 1, 2023. FCSS@devon.ca
QUALIFYING QUESTION: Because of acitvities and events around Mental Health Week, I am more aware that mental health is an issue in Devon.
Agree Somewhat Agree Neutral Somewhat Disagree Disagree
Get those creative brain cells going... create a story on any topic and tell us in six words. There are four age categories to enter in and, where possible, all entries will be published in print and social media. SEE POSTER for details.
Deadline to enter: 11:59pm, May 19 to FCSS@devon.ca
Baby & Me
These one hour sessions are dedicated to moms & dads with children 0-24 months who are looking for connection and an opportunity to discuss their journey in parenthood. Chats, information, support & more. Free. Open to all.
Register: Drop-in
Grounding 101
Join us for this peaceful session where participants will build a mini Zen garden to take home, and learn about the importance of breathing, mindfulness and grounding practices. Open to Devon and the Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Register: devon.recdesk.com by April 26
Social Knitwork
Do you like to knit/crochet or wish to learn? Join us for this special event to support mental wellness. Come with your project, be introduced to new ones or simply just start stitching. Experienced volunteers will be available to help beginners learn. Drop in. Free. Open to Devon and the Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Drop-in (but please notify office if you require starter pack by April 26)
Intergenerational Kindness Project – Calling Seniors and Youth!
This exciting four-week series will bring together youth and older adults for a variety of fun activities that highlights the importance of kindness in our community. Child attendees can be picked up from school in the community bus and / or dropped off at home after (optional). Child must be in a Devon school. Registration required for both children and seniors. Limited numbers.
Register by April 24: CHILDREN at devon.recdesk.com, SENIORS at FCSS@devon.ca
Youth ARTiculate
Join in for a 4-week art expression series. Through a creative outlet strengthen your self-esteem, resiliency, and mindfulness. Enjoy this positive mood boosting series. Open to Devon and the Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Registration deadline: devon.recdesk.com by April 18
Pizza & Pool Guys Night
Guys, this one is just for you. We want to take about 30 minutes of your time to share some info with you about the importance of mental health and wellbeing … and then we will leave you to the pizza, darts and pool for the rest of the night. All that is free but you’re on your own for any alcohol. Open to non-Legion members too. Drop-in. Open to Devon and the Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Mastermind: Awareness and Stress Management for Men
When life gets overwhelming, it’s important to have a plan. This confidential two-part workshop teaches practical skills for handling stressors in your day-to-day life. You will learn how to gather important information from your environment, analyze your life, and develop a plan to handle stress more efficiently. Free. Registration required. Open to Devon and Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Community Helpers – Peer Support for Youth
Young people are more likely to trust someone of their own age to share information with and / or ask for help. This three hour session will offer guidance to participants as to how they can be that person for their friends in a safe and healthy way for everyone. Free session, pizza supper included. Open to Devon and the Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Register: devon.recdesk.com by April 24
Seniors Connect – Game On!
Join the FCSS team for some fun and games. Charades, Dingbats, Pictionary! All good fun and we will cheer each other on. Registration required.
Register by Apr. 28 by email at CSOC@devon.ca or call 780-987-8308
Child’s Play for Adults
Some say that the opposite of play is depression… as parents, it’s important that we don’t forget to laugh and play too! Join us for this session where we will build a fort, play games and learn how we can better understand our child through play. Grown-ups only! Open to Devon and the Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Register by April 24 at devon.recdesk.com
Cooking Together
Time for adults and kids to cook together to make a tasty, nutritious and budget friendly supper, and gather ideas for other options. This is aimed at families with children aged 10 and over, earning less than $50k per year. Hosted in partnership with the Leduc and District Food Bank. Limited space. Free. Devon residents only.
Devon Community Indoor Playground Special
Join us for this mental wellness focus special session. This one will be lead, in part, by our early childhood specialist, Miss Kathy. Spend quality time with other parents while your children play. We will also be including a short break to focus on taking positive time-out as a parent. There will also be snacks and refreshments. Open to Devon and the Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Drop-in
First Responders vs. Youth - Ball Hockey Game
Want to face-off in a friendly game of ball hockey? Bring your stick (we have spares if you don’t have one) and join in. Please note, this is an unsupervised game, play at own risk and photos may be taken for social media.
Outdoor Wellness Walk for All
Come explore Devon’s trails and join in for a leisurely social walk and then learn about why being outside is good for your mental health, while we chat over a picnic lunch (pre-registration required or bring your own). Open to all! If you require the bus to get to Voyageur, call 780-910-1960 to book by no later than the day before.
Registration Deadline: April 26
Call p: 780-987-8308 or email: CSOC@devon.ca
Note: In the event of severe weather, walk may be cancelled.
Family Bingo
Fun for all the family. Suitable for children of all ages. Please note, this is for families with younger children and youth, anyone registering will need to have at least one person under 17 in their group. Each registrant will get their own set of Bingo cards. Open to any Devon family or any family with a child registered at a Devon school. Small gift card prizes.
Register: devon.recdesk.com by April 25
Dodgeball - Youth 8+ vs. First Responders
Join us for this fun event - burn off some energy, get to know our First Responders. Drop-in or pre-registration. Waivers must be signed to play, have to be signed by an adult. This is an unsupervised event, youth are independent to come and go.
Register by May 3, at devon.recdesk.com
Seniors Coffee Chat
Join in to connect with others for a friendly chat and hear updates about programing from the Town. Coffee and tea is on us! Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only) 780-910-1960. Must be booked by noon, Thursday, May 4.
Drop-In
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls & 2Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) Recognition
Please check back for details soon.
Crafting with Mom
Kids, grab your Mom (or any other significant female role model in your life) and join us for a fun evening making a beautiful craft together to keep or share! Just in time for Mother’s Day!
Games Galore!
Gather your friends and families to enjoy an afternoon of drop-in games, especially to support Mental Health Week. Check out the huge variety of board games to play from old family favorites to new puzzles and cooperative games. All ages are welcome to attend, parental supervision may be required. Open to Devon and the Leduc / Parkland County regions.
Music Jam for Mental Health
In partnership with Pioneer 73 Club, join us for a special evening of their legendary music jam event, featuring The Farm Boys Band and Devon’s own Rik Cormier on fiddle. Bring your instrument to play along or simply come and enjoy the vibe… singing, dancing and music… snacks and refreshments too. Everyone welcome! Don't forget, you can book the community bus to get there and back (free for this event only - within Devon) 780-910-1960. Must be booked by noon, Thursday, May 4.
Any questions: call 780-987-8325