
Bell Let’s Talk 2025: Take meaningful action and create real change in mental health
January 22 is Bell Let’s Talk Day
Bell Let’s Talk Day is Wednesday, January 22. UM is joining in and hosting events and activities from January 20-27! Consider Bell Let’s Talk Day the start of a new year to take action in mental health. We can all create real change by doing one or more of the following all year long:
- Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
- Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them
- Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
- Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
- Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
- Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma
Share your actions using #BellLetsTalk and help inspire others.
How UM is joining the conversation
Staff, faculty and students are all encouraged to join in the conversation and raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Explore supports for students and resources for employee wellbeing. Attend one of the events listed below and do something for your own mental health this week.
Events for Students
Pet Therapy
Tuesday, January 21, 2025; 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education), Fort Garry Campus
Pause for paws – take some time to de stress and unwind with some furry friends!
Mindful campus room
Wednesday, January 22, 2025; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Bannatyne Campus (Apotex 067 & 069)
Mindful campus rooms will include games, art supplies, and a place to relax, as well as giveaways, resources for mental health, and the opportunity to share ideas on how to achieve good mental health.
Mental health button making
Wednesday, January 22, 2025; 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education), Fort Garry Campus
Join the Student Wellness Centre in taking time to de stress and make buttons, focusing on mental health messages you need – create your own or use one of our pre made templates!
Vision Board Workshop
Wednesday, January 22, 2025; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (sign-up required) | Tony TK Lau Global Lounge (541 UMSU University Centre), Fort Garry Campus
Learn how to create a vision board for yourself to visualize your goals, keep you grounded or inspired!
Craftin’ Connections with SAS
Wednesday, January 22, 2025; 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. | Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education), Fort Garry Campus
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is hosting a pom-pom crafting event! Drop in and make a pom-pom or mini toque! No experience necessary, supplies and instruction provided!
Mindfulness Meditation with the Multi-Faith Centre and the Buddha Meditation Centre Winnipeg
Wednesday, January 22, 2025; 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Multi-Faith Centre (521 A/B UMSU University Centre), Fort Garry Campus
Led by experienced monks from the Theravada tradition, this session is open to all ages and levels of experience – whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, these sessions offer a welcoming space for personal growth and relaxation. All are welcome!
SWC Pop-up @ Bannatyne
Monday, January 27, 2025; 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. | Brodie Atrium, Bannatyne Campus
Join the Student Wellness Centre team at their table in the Brodie atrium for a fun activity that highlights the impact of alcohol on your body, and learn tips to both stay safe and have fun.
Events for Staff and Faculty
Making Music Work for You
Monday, January 20, 2025; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Virtual (sign-up required) – available to staff and faculty at all campuses; event registration (to obtain the meeting link) is available on the UM Intranet
A critical exploration of how to create playlists to improve mood, focus and well-being. Bring your own headphones and music device!
Mindful campus room
Monday, January 20, 2025; 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Bannatyne Campus (location posted on the UM Intranet)
Staff and faculty are invited to come and take a mindfulness break on your own or with fellow colleagues. Colouring, games, and a variety of mediums will be available to explore, as well as a meditation/quiet zone.
Staff Snack & Wellness Break
Tuesday, January 21, 2025; 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Fort Garry Campus (location posted on the UM Intranet)
Come drop by and grab a snack, Bell Let’s Talk Day swag, and some tips for supporting your mental health.
Stretch It Out
Tuesday, January 21, 2025; 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Fort Garry Campus (location posted on the UM Intranet)
This guided stretching session will focus on the common aches and pains experienced by those that sit for a majority of their workday. Modifications will be provided for anyone that may need it so everyone can get the most of the stretches. A handout will be provided to take home with descriptions of all the stretches.
Free Group Fitness Access
Wednesday, January 22, 2025; All Day | Active Living Centre (Fort Garry Campus) & Joe Doupe Recreation Centre (Bannatyne Campus)
Join us on Bell Let’s Talk Day! Stop by the Customer Service Desk with your staff card and workout gear to enjoy a free day of activities with Recreation Services. Let’s prioritize mental health by staying active, connecting with others, and promoting well-being together.
Zen Zone
Wednesday, January 22, 2025; 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. | Fort Garry Campus (location posted on the UM Intranet)
Whether you are new or experienced, come drop by the Zen Zone for a safe and quiet place to meditate. A drop-in style session, you can come in and stay as long as you wish and have a quiet space for meditating. If you’re new to meditation, come drop by to try it out and get some tips on how to make meditation work for you.
Colouring for Calmness
Thursday, January 23, 2025; 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Fort Garry Campus (location posted on the UM Intranet)
A drop-in, come-and-go session for staff and faculty to take a break and try colouring to relax and unwind. Colouring is a great way to support your mental health by focusing on an external cue and relaxing from the stress of your day. All supplies will be provided, with a variety of designs to choose from.