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CMHA PEI Mental Health Week Events and Information
May 5-11, 2025 is Mental Health Week! The Canadian Mental Health Association’s annual Mental Health Week is a social change campaign to shift attitudes and perceptions about mental health. The 2025 theme is “Unmasking Mental Health”.
Mental Health Week 2025 Theme: Unmasking Mental Health
Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking can make it even harder. Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgement and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel.
This May 5-11, we will encourage people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country. Visit CMHA National for more information.
How Can You Participate in Mental Health Week?
During Mental Health Week, we ask that individuals and communities play a vital role in raising awareness and funds for mental health initiatives. Here are some ways you can get involved in Mental Health Week 2025!
- Start the Conversation: Talk openly about mental health with friends, family, or neighbors. Sharing your own experiences—or simply listening—can help break the stigma and make others feel less alone. Utilize social media to keep the conversation going online! Use hashtags #UnmaskingMentalHealth and #MentalHealthWeek
- Help Support our Fundraising Efforts: Encourage friends or coworkers to participate in fundraising challenges or match employee donations. Set up a donation page or offer an optional payroll deduction for those who want to contribute.
- Have your Workplace Host Wellness Activities: Organize a charity walk, team fitness challenge, or mindfulness session during lunch hours. These activities promote physical and mental well-being and encourage team bonding in a positive, supportive way.
- Promote Wellness Resources: Most organizations have existing Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), mental health benefits, or wellness platforms available. Even a simple reminder can make a big difference in helping people to seek support.
- Encourage Acts of Kindness and Connection: Create opportunities for employees to check in on each other—whether it’s a virtual coffee break, a team gratitude wall, or a simple message of support. Small gestures can help build a culture of care.
Mental Health Week Activities and Workshops
Join CMHA PEI Community Education on Tuesday, May 6th, for the Learning, Training, and Support Hub session: Music and Sound for Healing. This free one-hour online session will explore ways to use music and sound daily to help soothe, uplift, and inspire creativity. There will be two sessions: 12-1 PM or 6-7 PM on Zoom. Register now by emailing [email protected] or filling out the online registration form here.
Beginning Tuesday, May 6th, Life After Suicide Loss (LASL) Group is an 8-week, closed suicide bereavement group available to adults who have lost a loved one to suicide. The group is facilitated by CMHA PEI staff and includes an optional monthly support group called LASL Side-by-Side, which offers ongoing peer support. This eight-week program is offered twice a year (spring and fall), and registration is required. Our next LASL Workshop still has space for registration. The Charlottetown program will run for 8 weeks from 6-8 pm at 203 Fitzroy Street, Charlottetown, starting Tuesday, May 6th. Space is limited and registration is required. Registrations and inquiries can be sent to [email protected]
Unraveling Joy – Embroidery Workshop – Rebecca MacDonald, an artist here on PEI, is hosting a hand embroidery event at Upstreet Craft Brewery on Wednesday, May 7th, from 6:30-9:30 pm. During this event, she will be discussing the benefits of this slow craft on our mental health, teaching foundational stitches so participants can leave with a beautiful piece and experience. Proceeds from sales that night will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association – PEI. Tickets can be purchased here: unravelingjoy.com
Wednesday, May 7th, 12-1 PM – Mental Health Week Community Barbeque and Open House! Join CMHA PEI staff and members of the Hope Centre Clubhouse at 410 Main Street in Alberton for their Mental Health Week BBQ and Open House. Drop in between 12 and 1 PM for lunch, and take a walk through the facilities as we welcome you into the day-to-day of clubhouse members and CMHA staff! Learn about the accessible programming available and mental health supports in your community. Let’s Unmask Mental Health Together!
Wednesday, May 7th, 12-1 PM – Mental Health Week Community Barbeque! CMHA staff and members of the Notre Dame Place Clubhouse in Summerside invite you to join them at their Mental Health Week Community BBQ! Make your way down to 67 Duke Street between 12 and 1 PM for lunch, and learn from staff and members about the accessible programming available and mental health supports in your community. Let’s Unmask Mental Health Together!
YOU’RE INVITED TO CMHA PEI’S 9th Annual Summerside Spring Gala, proudly presented by our Signature Sponsors, Prince Edward Aqua Farms.
Join us on Saturday, May 10th at 7 PM at the Veteran’s Convention Centre (VCC) Credit Union Place, Summerside, PE. This year’s event will be hosted by Alex Clark, owner and operator of Evermoore Brewing Company. The evening will feature a performance from Island musician, Alyssa Harper. The guest speaker for the evening will be Kendal Hackett, a local mental health advocate from West Prince, PEI. Kendal will be speaking about his personal story around mental health. The event also features a catered dinner from Five Eleven West Restaurant in Summerside and an on-site silent auction! Tickets available now: Get Tickets
Participate in Mental Health Week 2025 by joining one of CMHA Toronto‘s free virtual workshops! They are geared toward everyone and delivered by mental health professionals. Learn how you can support your own mental health, your workplace’s, and your community. Browse workshop options and register now!
CMHA National Resources:
What is Masking? CMHA Mental Health Week Factsheet
Unmasking – CMHA Mental Health Week Factsheet
Unmasking in the Workplace – CMHA Mental Helath Week Factsheet
Effects of Masking – CMHA PEI Mental Health Week Factsheet
Unmasking Journal Activity – CMHA PEI Mental Health Week Activity
Find more resources, including a Teacher Toolkit, at www.mentalhealthweek.ca