Thrive Week 2025 celebrates mental health and well-being

The McMaster Okanagan Office of Health & Well-being and Student Wellness Centre invited the community to explore new ways to support mental well-being

Thrive Week at McMaster has been celebrated annually since 2018. Each year, McMaster Okanagan Office of Health & Well-being and Student Wellness Centre dedicates a week to raising awareness and fostering conversations about mental health. This year's initiative took place from Jan. 27 to 31, 2025. Students, faculty, staff and alumni came together to participate in a variety of events focused on supporting mental well-being.

Thrive Week was organized in partnership with other campus organizations. For example, on Monday, Jan. 27, the libraries hosted an event called Library Pets at the Connection Centre in Mills Library.

Participants had the chance to interact with therapy dogs, offering a moment of relaxation and connection through animal companionship. This event was designed to provide a break from academics and an opportunity to de-stress, as studies have shown that spending time with animals can reduce stress.

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, another pet therapy event was held: Pet Therapy Visit with Biscuit. Students were invited to visit the dog Biscuit in the Health Sciences Library for some downtime and to experience the mental health benefits of interacting with therapy animals. To see more of Biscuit in the 2025 Winter term you can visit the PGCLL room 201 in the wellness lounge at these specific dates.

Another notable event on Jan. 28 was the Queer Study Buddies: Create Your Own Bookmark session. This event, a part of the ongoing Queer Study Buddies initiative, was held in a safe and supportive space in Mills Memorial Library for students from the 2SLGBTQ+ community to take a break from stress. Attendees could make personalized bookmarks while relaxing and all supplies were provided.

Wednesday, Jan. 29, featured an event titled How Can We Support the Mental Wellbeing of Ourselves and Others, hosted by Women & Gender Equity Network. This session offered practical strategies for supporting both personal and collective mental health. The event emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment and included a discussion on the concept of collective care, a practice focused on communal support for mental well-being.

Later that day, the McMaster Museum of Art hosted a Collage Button Making Workshop. Participants were given a tour of the Ascending Horizons exhibition before taking part in the button-making activity. This hands-on workshop allowed attendees to engage creatively while providing an opportunity for social interaction and stress relief.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Student Wellness Centre Health Promotion team organized a Sunset & Hot Cocoa Walk from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning at the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning. Participants were encouraged to bring their own mugs to reduce plastic waste as they walked and enjoyed hot cocoa while watching the sunset. This outdoor event promoted relaxation, physical activity and environmental consciousness.

Thrive Week concluded on Friday, Jan. 31, with the McMaster Social Science Society Wellness Fair in the McMaster University Student Centre Atrium. This wellness fair featured a range of activities and wellness resources, allowing students to explore different ways to support their mental health. Participants could engage in activities such as gratitude crafts and bracelet making and visit booths set up by various campus wellness organizations.

Throughout the week, the events provided a diverse mix of opportunities aimed at promoting mental well-being for students to engage in. Whether through creative outlets, social interactions, or therapeutic experiences, Thrive Week highlighted the importance of taking time to care for one’s mental health.

To learn more about Thrive Week, McMaster Okanagan Office of Health & Well-being, the Student Wellness Centre and their resources to support students' mental well-being, you can visit their websites.