DOWNLOAD THE POSTER

AND HELP US SPREAD THE WORD

MONDAY

May 6, 2024

2:30 - 3:30 pm

Get moving with our

easy-to-follow line dancing ​that will work your legs, core, ​and arms, and help improve ​coordination and balance.

5:00 to 7:00 pm

St. Georges in the Pines ​Anglican Church and ​Outdoor Life Planning

Drop In

Money can be stressful, no ​matter how much or how ​little you have. When life is ​stressful, it affects how we ​think about and use our ​money. Let's talk about ​breaking the cycle with ​certified Trauma of Money ​practitioner Allan ​Buckingham (they/them).

7:00 to 9:00 pm

Active Hope: ​Practices for Moving ​Through Eco-anxiety

102 Spray Avenue (YWCA ​Banff Great Room)

Registration Required

When faced with the news of ​the world, it can be isolating ​and difficult to process. You ​are not alone! In this workshop, ​we will move through ​facilitated group conversations ​and learn practical ways to ​reframe our thoughts and ​relationship with the world. ​Join us for an evening of hope ​in action.

tuesday

May 7, 2024

12:00 to 1:00 pm

Beginner Yoga Class

Flow State Yoga

211 Bear Street, 201B

Registration Required

Flow State provides a warm and ​welcoming studio for the unique ​community of Banff. If you are interested ​in rolling out a mat for the first time, join ​Sydney for this restorative yin class that ​will focus on taking time to slow down the ​mind and take time to check in with ​yourself mentally and physically. We are ​here to help you with valuable skills that ​you can practice on and off the mat.

9:30 to 4:30 pm

Community Helpers ​One-Day Wellness ​Program

Town of Banff

110 Bear Street, Banff Town Hall

Registration Required

A mental health awareness and ​suicide prevention program for ​youth and young adults. Learn how ​to help someone in your life ​experiencing a mental health issue. ​Learn about free local services so ​you can help them find assistance. ​Register in advance at ​shannon.fountain@banff.ca.

6:00 to 8:00 pm

End the Stigma, one ​Donut at a time: Diverse ​Perspectives on Mental ​Health

Frankie D's Donuts and Kristy ​Wolfe Stories

101 Bear Street

(Pioneer Room, Catharine

Robb Whyte Building)

Registration Required

Join us for Donuts, Digital Stories, ​& Conversations! Engage in ​inclusive conversations with a ​diverse panel of locals sharing ​personal stories on mental illness ​impacts, including newcomer ​experiences, poverty, ​discrimination, trauma, invisible ​disabilities and more. Discover ​resources, find support, and let’s ​break the stigma together, one ​Donut at a time. This is a brave ​space for sharing stories, feelings, ​tackling tough topics, fostering ​connection, deepening empathy.

12:00 to 1:30 pm

An Ethics Chat on Stigma

Banff Mineral Springs Hospital

102 Spray Avenue (YWCA Banff Great ​Room)

Registration Required

Stigma is a powerful social force that ​creates barriers to good health and well-​being. In this talk, we will describe how ​stigma is created, its consequences, and ​what we can do to reduce its effects. A ​light lunch provided.

6:00 to 7:30 pm

Navigating Menopause

Bow Valley Primary Care ​Network

Online

Registration Required

Menopause like a boss! Be prepared and informed on the symptoms, hormones, medication, supplements, diet and exercise for an empowered transition into your next chapter. 1.5 hours workshop offered in-person and virtually.

7:00 to 8:30 pm

Is Banff Ready

for a Men’s Shed

Age-Friendly Banff

92 Banff Avenue,

B​anff Legion

Drop In

Banff Wellness Night

FIT by Fiona, Banff Yoga Practice, Bow Valley CrossFit, and Mount Royal Hotel

138 Banff Avenue, Mount ​Royal Hotel Mount Norquay ​Room

Join the fitness pros for some tips and tricks to ​keep yourself fit for life! Let's talk about body image, ​relationship with food, meditation, and simple ​workouts. Registration required.

WEDNESDAY

May 8, 2024

9:00 to 10:00 am

220 Bear Street, ​Banff National Perk

Have you always wanted to ​chat with a police officer to ​ask questions or share ​what’s on your mind. Join a ​Banff RCMP officer - over ​coffee - to discuss local ​issues and learn more ​about matters that affect ​the community of Banff.

11:00 am, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm

Summit Lifestyle & ​Performance

220 Bear Street Mall

Registration Required

Join us in a space that is ​supportive, energetic, and ​inclusive for all - no matter ​where you are at in your fitness ​journey.

1:00 to 2:00 pm

Is Banff Ready for a ​Men’s Shed

Age-Friendly Banff

101 Bear Street (Pioneer ​Room, Catharine Robb ​Whyte Building)

Drop In

Let’s not be shy about it – ​Men’s Sheds are about men’s ​health! In addition to all the ​things that men need to stay ​physically healthy, there’s not ​much talk about the mental ​and social well-being that ​form such a critical part of ​men’s overall health. Men’s ​Sheds are committed to ​provide social connection, a ​way to contribute, something ​to do. Shedders call it “health ​by stealth”.

Learn about a movement ​developed in Australia to ​address the mental and social ​well-being of men. A casual ​space to connect, socialize ​and work on projects ​together.

7:00 to 10:00 pm

Banff Legion Trivia ​Night

92 Banff Avenue, ​Banff Legion

Do you enjoy the TV show ​Jeopardy? Join us for a ​trivia challenge. Come ​alone or bring a group of ​friends. Prizes and tons of ​fun. Learn about the mental ​health and addiction ​services available to you.

Drop In

A film screening and panel discussion ​you won’t want to miss! This film ​produced by Bode Miler and his team at ​Podium Society explores the mental ​health crisis affecting America’s ​mountain towns and the innovative ​solutions being developed in response. ​Join us for the film followed by a panel ​discussion with local individuals with ​lived experience. Please be advised, if ​you have been affected by suicide, this ​film may be triggering. Mature audience ​is recommended. CLICK HERE to watch ​the trailer.

Thursday

May 9, 2024

1:00 to 3:00 pm

Compassion Circle

YWCA Banff

102 Spray Avenue, YWCA Banff

Registration Required

Join Lindsey (She/Her) for a Full ​Circle gathering designed for ​individuals who have experienced ​domestic or sexual violence. In ​this session we will be hosting a ​Compassion Circle, a space to ​engage in artistic expression and ​introspection as we delve into the ​theme of self-esteem. ​Throughout the event, ​participants will explore creative ​methods to express themselves ​and rediscover their voice, ​experience a supportive ​environment to connect with ​fellow survivors of violence, and ​utilize art and writing as tools for ​introspection and building self-​esteem. Please note this is not a ​clinical therapeutic session, and ​no disclosure is required to ​attend the session.

12:00 to 1:00 pm

Communicate to Connect

Bow Valley Primary Care Network

102 Spray Avenue, YWCA Banff Boardroom

Registration Required

Communicate effectively when things ​get tough. Discover ways to manage ​and share your emotional needs to help ​foster deeper relationships with the ​people in your life. Bring your lunch to ​snack on while you learn! A 1-hour ​workshop, offered in-person and online. ​Only 15 in-person spots available.

2:00 to 4:00 pm

Companions for the Caregiver Journey

CareGivers Alberta and Banff Public Library

Drop In

Are you a family or friend caregiver supporting someone living with illness, disability, or aging needs? Do you need encouragement or support in managing the ups and downs of this role? Come connect with your local community of caregivers. Drop-in.

7:00 to 10:00 pm

Banff Legion Bingo

Banff Legion

Drop In

5:00 to 7:00 pm

Filipino Potluck and ​Zumba

Filipino Organization in the Rocky Mountains

Drop In

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Community and ​Conversation with EthioCare

Banff Park Church

455 Cougar Street

Registration Required

Come join the Ethiopian/Eritrean ​community for a night of ​conversation and food to ​promote personal wellbeing.

FRIDAY

May 10, 2024

3:00 to 4:00 pm

Free Community Yoga Class

Banff Yoga Practice

102b -111 Harmony Lane

This practice creates ​powerful possibilities for ​transformation and holistic ​healing within the mind, ​body, and spirit as we ​experience combining ​mindfulness meditation and ​slow movement. Creating ​space within the body and ​clarity in the mind through ​meditation, we calm our ​energy. This class works on ​the whole self for optimal ​well-being. Accessible for ​all.

6:00 to 7:00 pm

Run Club for Mental ​Health

Rockies Run Collective

121 Banff Avenue, Lululemon Store

Drop In

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Frankie D's Donuts, BanffLIFE, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association

Registration Required

50 residents will come together to connect to community through donut ​decorating. Throughout the three-part activity Makaylah from Frankie D's will ​facilitate conversation about mental health. Participating partners will also ​have an opportunity to introduce their organizations and key messages on ​how you can stay active, socialize, adventure, and proactively prepare for an ​emergency (alleviating concerns and stress).

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

Lake Louise Recreation Centre

Improvement District No.9, Lake Louise Medical Clinic

Running May 6 to 10 only!

Join local fitness instructors in any of the regularly scheduled group fitness and yoga classes at the Lake Louise Sport & Recreation Centre. These classes will be the same caliber you can expect from the recreation centre, but additional material will be available on the incredible supports available in the Bow Valley for those struggling or supporting. Exercise is important for people with mental illness – it not only boosts our mood, concentration, and alertness, but improves our cardiovascular and overall physical health. Everyone who attends class that week will also get their drop-in credited back to their membership! Finally, all participants will be able to enter a draw for a FREE month of fitness centre access or 10 group fitness drop-ins. NOTE: you must have a group fitness and yoga membership to participate (including a photo ID access card) - if you need help setting that up, contact us at 403-522-2606.

Raven’s River Story Board

Running all month

Banff Public Library, Right From the Start

Visit Banff Public Library’s “Raven’s River Story Board” that showcases stories written by local youths who use examples of animals of our forests’ diversity, teamwork, and strength to overcome hardship. Want to contribute? Visit www.banfflibrary.ab.ca. All ages-groups and abilities welcomed.

May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month

dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of sexual violence. Throughout May, the Harmony Project is collaborating with community partners to organize events that aim to create a more informed, empathetic, and supportive Bow Valley, striving towards a future free from sexual violence. Visit YWCA Banff’s website www.ywcabanff.ca or follow @ywcabanff on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming events.