Project Mental Wellness is hosting several activities in May to promote Mental Health Awareness month.
A series of educational seminars are being held to provide insight and resources to those who need them.
The first one is on Monday, May 6 examining the connection between gut and mental health. On May 13, a seminar will be held about men's mental health.
Project Mental Wellness Founder Leanne Fera said it can be hard for men to speak out about their emotions.
"It's an open evening, it's a panel discussion," said Fera. "We have four other gentlemen that will be with us that evening. It's an unedited conversation about the struggles that men face. It's in a safe place to be able to share, listen and understand."
There will also be a yoga class for stress relief, a parent engagement seminar and a healing seminar.
Two of the classes, the yoga class and the gut health discussion, are already sold out.
Fera said having events like this is important because it can help reduce the stigma around mental health.
"Society has taught us that when your brain fails it's negative and you can't talk about it. We don't talk about it, it's uncomfortable and therefore has created this incredible crisis of people with mental health struggles," she said.
There is no specific cost for the event and Fera said people can pay what they can.
Project Mental Health is also supporting mental health by its RoundUP! campaign.
Several local businesses will provide the option to round up your total to support mental health initiatives.
"All of those funds collected will come back through to Sarnia Community Foundation which will go to our endowment and our hope for scholarship in the future and then also be able to provide funding for other educational series and events within the community," said Fera.
Other initiatives planned this month include Milkshakes for Mental Health at Rustic Scoops in Corunna and Things We Should Say is back at Imperial City Brew House.
She said the topic surrounding mental health needs to be talked about more.
"The more we talk about it, the more comfortable we get, the more educated we become and it doesn't make us so anxious to be afraid to share feelings and emotions," Fera said.
Registration is required and can be done online.
