Student Wellness marks Mental Health Awareness month this May with free, inclusive programming
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and University of Niagara Falls Canada is marking the occasion with a full calendar of free, accessible events designed to meet students where they are and support their wellbeing.
From peer support lounges to yoga classes, wellness walk to conversations about burnout and nutrition, this month’s programming offers something for every student, wherever they are in their wellness journey.
“Mental health is the heart of student success,” said Shiwani Sagar, Student Wellness Coordinator at UNF. “When students feel supported, connected, and equipped to manage life's challenges, they are better positioned to thrive academically, socially, and personally.”
Every event is an invitation to students to pause, reconnect with themselves, and be part of a campus community that truly cares. The programming reflects that true mental health is holistic.
“Sleep, nutrition, and movement are not separate from mental health,” said Sagar. “They are foundational to it. Supporting students’ mental health means supporting the whole person.”
May 4-10 is Mental Health Awareness Week in Canada, and this year’s national theme – Come Together, Canada – puts the spotlight on community as a cornerstone of mental health. The theme speaks to the growing recognition that social connection is a vital part of how people stay well.
At UNF, that message resonates. Student life can be demanding, and it can be easy to feel isolated, especially during high-stress periods. This month’s events are designed with that in mind: to bring students together and create space for honest conversations about how they’re really doing.
What’s on
Throughout May, students can participate in:
- Peer Wellness Lounge – Offered weekly, both online and in-person
- Yoga and fitness activities – Drop-in movement sessions to help manage stress and boost energy
- Burnout workshop – Learn to recognize the signs of burnout and build habits that protect your energy
- Nutrition workshop – Explore the connection between what we eat and how we feel
A full schedule of the month’s events, including dates, times, and locations, is available on UNF Connect.
“We encourage everyone to engage, share, and champion mental health every day,” said Kevan McDougall, Student Wellness Coordinator at UNF.
Student Wellness offers programming and services for students throughout the year. For more information visit the Student Wellness page on the UNF website.
