CMHA Battlefords branch executive director Jane Zielke de Montbrun shows her Semicolon Art tattoo. The symbolic tattoos are some of the offerings that will be available during Mental Health Week coming up in May. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Support for Mental Health

Semicolon tattoos, flag raising will kick off Mental Health Week

Apr 18, 2019 | 9:14 AM

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Battlefords branch is encouraging more people to talk about mental health so those who need help will have a better chance of finding support.

National Mental Health Week kicks off May 6 with a number of activities planned in the Battlefords.

Battlefords branch executive director Jane Zielke de Montbrun hopes the week will help educate people about the issue.

The week starts with a flag-raising at North Battleford City Hall with support from a youth drumming group.

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Those who want to show their support for mental health can sign up to purchase a Semicolon Art tattoo once again. Two artist groups will be creating the tattoos at the Battlefords office from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 6. Funds raised will benefit the CMHA Mini-Bus project.

Zielke de Montbrun, who has a semicolon tattoo herself, said the project has continued to grow as a type of art movement to support mental health.

“Semicolons can mean you struggle with a mental health problem,” she said. “They can also mean you’re a safe person to approach regarding mental health, or that you might have a family member who struggles with their mental health.”

On May 6 during the lunch hour at Library Park residents can enjoy a barbecue to benefit the CMHA and The Lighthouse.

There will be a silent auction during the week at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford. Funds raised support patients at the hospital. The items for auction will be available for viewing in the hospital lobby.

Schools will hold student Mental Health Fairs at John Paul II Collegiate and North Battleford Comprehensive High School.

On May 8, organizers are planning a Mental Health Awareness Walk starting at 1:15 p.m. at SHNB, heading to the North Battleford Library Park. Participants can alo enjoy complimentary refreshments and entertainment from musician Jeremy Grey.

The following day, organizers are planning the SHNB Talent Show at the new hospital gymnasium from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The 10th Annual Champions of Mental Health Gala will take place at the Western Development Museum on Saturday, May 11.

This will mark the final year for the gala dinner event, said Zielke de Montbrun, so she is encouraging people to purchase a ticket and show their support for the cause.

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW