The Making Connections team at Palliser School Division used Bell Let’s Talk Day as a valuable teachable moment to foster mental health awareness among students. Through engaging workshops and activities, the team helped students understand that mental health is something we all have—and that it’s okay to talk about it.
One of the greatest barriers to mental health awareness is the stigma surrounding the topic. Many children hesitate to share their struggles out of fear of judgment or misunderstanding. By creating a safe space for open dialogue, the Making Connections team is working to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage students to seek support when needed.
Students explored strategies for coping with difficult feelings both at home and school. Suggestions included mindful breathing, spending time in nature, reading, and even unwinding with video games—practical tools that can help students regulate emotions and navigate challenges.
A key focus of the day was on building positive relationships with peers and trusted adults. Grade 4 students at Coalhurst Elementary had meaningful discussions about the trusted people in their school community. Making Connections Worker Allyssa Ockerman emphasized the importance of having multiple people in your life that you can rely on.
Palliser Clinical Team Lead Erika Publow was thrilled to see the impact of these efforts. “Bell Let’s Talk Day is a wonderful opportunity to empower students with tools for their mental well-being,” said Publow. “The work our team is doing in schools directly supports Palliser’s goal of helping students engage with the foundational elements of well-being.”
Bell Let’s Talk Day is more than just an annual event—it’s a chance to provide students with the skills and confidence to care for their mental health and build connections that support their overall well-being. The Making Connections team continues to play a vital role in this mission, helping Palliser students thrive in school and beyond.
For more information, tools and resources check out the Bell Let's Talk website: https://letstalk.