The next batch of Mood Walks trainers are equipped any ready to lead. Throughout March and April, leadership retreats were held in Toronto, Hamilton, Penetanguishene and Thunder Bay to prepare trainers for implementing the latest installment of the program within their communities.
The two-day retreats consisted of a dinner, networking, guest speakers and planning activities, plus a full-day Safe Hiker Instructor course led by Hike Ontario.
Mood Walks is a provincial program that provides training and support for community mental health organizations across Ontario to launch educational walking programs for people who experience mental health issues. It’s an initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, in partnership with Hike Ontario and Conservation Ontario, with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
This year, Mood Walks focuses on youth.
Those interested in joining a mood walks group, please visit the website.