Wellness Liaisons
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
The Wellness Liaisons project aims to shine a spotlight on holistic wellness in post-secondary campuses across Québec.
Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada through the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN), this project addresses the gaps in mental health programming that relies heavily on traditional therapy/psychotherapy. Three targeted areas of wellness are explored; physical health, emotional health, and financial literacy. Wellness Liaisons hailing from three Québec post-secondary institutions introduce holistic wellness by bringing together their community, wellness practitioners, and mental health service providers.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the CHSSN and Health Canada.
Learn More about the Project
What is holistic wellness?
Holistic wellness views our well-being as a complete picture, where various elements work together to shape our overall health. It recognises that a healthy lifestyle relies on multiple aspects such as our emotional state, intellectual engagement, and physical shape!
Why is this project interested in holistic wellness?
In recent times, mental health discussions have gained significant attention, evident in the rise of "Student Wellness Hubs" and campaigns such as Bell's Let's Talk. However, the Wellness Liaisons project seeks to broaden this focus on mental health. It aims to address not only mental well-being but also other crucial aspects of life. This includes practical areas like financial organisation, fitness routines, and philosophical exploration, all which contribute to a well-rounded approach to living.
How does this project aim to address these different aspects?
Each Wellness Liaison takes on the role of a facilitator, conducting interactive activities and discussions in their universities related to a specific wellness area. Their goal is to encourage participants to integrate healthy practices into different parts of their lives. Furthermore, they arrange academic conferences featuring specialists in their wellness area, providing a comprehensive understanding of various wellness dimensions.
Every month, the Wellness Liaisons share a blog discussing vital wellness topics tied to their roles, promoting a well-rounded approach to well-being. Through these initiatives, the aim is to raise awareness about holistic wellness and create connections among students. Collaborating with the With You In Mind (WYIM) project, the liaisons compile and provide a list of mental health services available on their respective university campuses, ensuring accessibility and support for mental health needs.
Wellness Liaisons x With You in Mind 2024
Our Wellness Liaisons have returned in 2024 to host 3 more events hosted on the With You in Mind (WYIM) Discord Server available for youth across the province! We have re-engaged with 3 Liaisons, Bon Pham, Blessing Tchemtchoua-Dassi and Abbigail Whitcher representing 3 distinct regions and school communities to design, develop, promote and deliver online mental health activities offered on Discord.
We will be offering the following online activities available through the With you in Mind Discord server:
“Voices of Impact: Community Services and Youth Mental Health”
“Revitalise Your Routine: Holistic Health Tips from an Experienced Personal Trainer.”
“Unpacking Myths & Facts about Vaping: Hosted by Camp Lift.”
How do I attend these activities?
To access these activities, you must have a Discord account and be a part of the With You in Mind Discord server. You can join the server here!
Workshop: How to set up a Discord server to better engage the youth community
In addition to the activities, the WYIM project coordinator and moderators will be developing and facilitating a workshop for community organisations and youth mental health partners on setting up a Discord server and engagement strategies on the platform. The workshop will take place sometime in the end of March.
Meet the Team
Project Coordinator
Lene Nemeh
(She/Her)
Lene graduated from McGill University with a B.A in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. She is passionate about helping others and about mental health. A value she carries with her throughout her life is to make sure people feel included, understood, and heard. Originally Syrian, she grew up in Saudi Arabia with an English-educational background and moved to Montréal six years ago. She has a personal connection and understands what it’s like to be an English-speaker in Québec who is struggling to feel a sense of belonging. She previously had experience being the Vice-President Advocacy of McGill Students for UNICEF and enjoyed being able to advocate for a good cause. During her time at Y4Y, she aims to advocate for her fellow English-speaking peers in Québec and raise awareness on the challenges they face.
Wellness Liaisons
Abbigail Whitcher
(She/Her)
Physical Wellness Liaison
Montréal
I am Abby. I am new to the city of Montréal but have lived in the Eastern Townships for most of my life. I also spent just over a year in Gatineau, where I completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Ottawa. My stay there was short because I had to finish my studies online during COVID. Currently, I am a first-year law student at McGill University. I've always had a passion for health and physical activity, which recently led me to obtain my personal trainer certification. After all, who doesn't like to feel good, right? I'm excited to share what I love with other students, so please feel free to reach out!
Becaye Baldé
(He/Him)
Emotional Wellness Liaison
Saguenay
Becaye is originally from Guinea, with a Senegalese mother. He is in the process of completing a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC). He also currently works as a Machine Learning Engineer. His enthusiasm extends to languages as he speaks English, French, Wolof, and a bit of Pular. Becaye is very friendly and always excited to meet new people from different cultures. He often asks them about their favorite meals from their respective countries of origin.
Bon
(She/Her)
Québec City
Besides being a full-time college student, Bon is a passionate volunteer, mental health first aider, avid reader, as well as a delicate lover who has an enchanting, rather “pathological” love for Taylor Swift. Over the years, Bon has been working with various organisations, and for initiatives dedicated to acts of kindness and community service. She previously had experience being a delegate at the 2024 McGill Model United Nations where she was profoundly inspired by the importance of transformational leadership to be the voice for the voiceless. As a Wellness Liaison for Y4Y Québec, Bon has had the privilege of witnessing the life-changing power of altruism and the sense of fulfilment that comes from helping others. During her time at Y4Y Québec, she urges to use her unique talent as a force for good to invest in others to make a difference in the community.
Blessing
Québec City
I'm Tchemtchoua Dassi Blessing, I'm a Christian and I come from the western region of Cameroon and I speak my native language Ghomala. Along with that, I'm learning how to speak Yoruba, Lingala and Zulu. I am in the process of completing my DEC in health science at Champlain st Lawrence. I have always been passionate about contributing to community service and helping others as much as I can.