Health and wellness

Bell Let’s Talk 2026: Take meaningful action and create real change in mental health

Bell Let’s Talk Day is Wednesday, January 21. UM is joining in and hosting events and activities through to January 22!

How UM is joining the conversation

Staff, faculty and students are all encouraged to join in the conversation and raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Explore supports for students and resources for employee wellbeing. Attend one of the events listed below and do something for your own mental health this week.

We can all create real change by doing one or more of the following all year long:

  • Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
  • Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them
  • Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
  • Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
  • Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
  • Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma

Share your actions using #BellLetsTalk and help inspire others.

Events for Students

Offices across campus offer a series of events and programs related to health and wellness. Below are some of those happening around Bell Let's Talk day.

Study Together

Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Iceland Reading Room (3rd floor, Elizabeth Dafoe Library – Room 324), Fort Garry Campus

Study Together is a weekly workshop and study hall to build and practice study skills together. If you want to learn new study skills, tune up your existing habits or simply want to designate time to get homework done in a co-working environment this is the group for you.

View Study Together on the events calendar

Self-Care Day

Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Sexual Violence Resource Centre (537 UMSU University Centre), Fort Garry Campus

Drop-in for the SVRC's monthly self-care day! There will be colouring, bracelet and button making supplies.

Pet Therapy

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education), Fort Garry Campus

Pause for paws – take some time to de stress and unwind with some furry friends!

View Pet Therapy on the events calendar

Rest and Rejuvenate through Relaxation

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre (521 A/B UMSU University Centre), Fort Garry Campus

Learn to help the body and mind rest and with relaxation strategies.  This one-hour interactive session, led by Michelle Pearson (she/her) of the Student Counseling and Wellness Centre, will focus on breath work, muscle relaxation, and a loving kindness meditation as ways to promote a sense of inner calm. 

Bannatyne Campus Wellness Passport Activity

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Brodie Mezzanine (2nd floor), Bannatyne Campus

Multiple support services have come together in a big way! Start the Wellness Passport Activity by visiting the information booth at the Brodie Mezzanine (2nd floor). The activity will direct learners to four sites and activities across Bannatyne Campus – visit all four stations for a stamp, swag, activities, and prizes! (you don’t want to miss out!)

Bannatyne Multi-Faith Centre Drop-In 

Wednesday,  January 21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Multi-Faith Centre (078 Brodie), Bannatyne Campus

Drop-in to the new Bannatyne Multi-Faith Centre! A guided meditation will be facilitated from 12:00-1:00 in the space led by Sensei Tanis Moore – this session is open to all ages and levels of experience – all are welcome!

New Year Origami Event

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education), Fort Garry Campus

Kick off the New Year at the Student Wellness Centre with origami. Drop in and fold up some fun – no registration required. See you there!

View New Year Origami Event on the events calendar

Polaroids for Positivity with Active Minds student group

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
1st floor Fletcher Argue building, Fort Garry Campus

Vision Board Workshop

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
IC Global Lounge (541 UMSU University Centre), Fort Garry Campus

Learn how to create a vision board for yourself to visualize your goals and keep you grounded or inspired! Advance sign-up required.

View Vision Board Workshop on the events calendar

Mindfulness Meditation with the Multi-Faith Centre and the Buddha Meditation Centre Winnipeg

Wednesday,  January 21, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Multi-Faith Centre (521 A/B UMSU University Centre), Fort Garry Campus

Led by experienced monks from the Theravada tradition, this session is open to all ages and levels of experience – whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, these sessions offer a welcoming space for personal growth and relaxation. All are welcome!

View Mindfulness Meditation on the events calendar

Study Together

Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Iceland Reading Room (3rd floor, Elizabeth Dafoe Library – Room 324), Fort Garry Campus

Study Together is a weekly workshop and study hall to build and practice study skills together. If you want to learn new study skills, tune up your existing habits or simply want to designate time to get homework done in a co-working environment this is the group for you.

Visit Study Together on the events calendar