On Friday, March 15, 2013, Minding Our Bodies held a knowledge exchange and networking forum in Toronto, Ontario, to showcase the most promising practices based on the 2012/2013 Minding Our Bodies-funded programs. Program coordinators/ managers and allied partners shared what works in physical activity and healthy eating programming to support people at risk of, or living with, mental health and addiction issues. More than 45 people participated in the full-day workshop, hosted at the YWCA Elm Centre, a community support centre dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women. Scott Mitchell, Director of Knowledge Transfer at Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario opened the Forum, introduced the Minding Our Bodies project and explored the connections between physical and mental health. Jessica VandenBussche spoke about her Strong Free and Happy Across Canada Tour, a cross-Canada cycling tour to help support Minding Our Bodies-type programs that promote mental health and physical activity.
Presentations throughout the day covered a fascinating variety of approaches that support the mind-body connection and included topics ranging from healthy habits, yoga, diet, gardening and dance (to name a few).
You can find a synopsis of the entire day’s presentations by going to the Minding Our Bodies website.