Cochrane will be hosting the unplugged series, which will include events for youth, men, and women within the community of Cochrane, to unplug and bring self awareness. The aim behind unplug is to bring elements of mindfulness for the individuals be it youth, men or women in understanding, how am I showing up, what is going on with me and how to move forward in the state I find myself.
Youth Unplugged – “Your Story Matters” will be a 3-day series, where youth within Cochrane that want to share their mental health journey and or struggles will be engaging in a half day workshop on how to share their stories. The youth will learn how to write and share their stories in front of a wide or large audience. Then the youth will be sharing their stories at the “We are Cochrane Youth Speaker event”. Following this, the youth will engage with Michael Emery, from uniquesoapstone experience, who will be working with them to ignite self-awareness, cultivate resilience, and unleash creativity. This will be done by Michael sharing his own mental health journey as a youth and then taking them on an immersive hands-on sculpting workshop, where they will embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Women Unplugged – “ Be Here, Be Seen, Be Present” will be a full day workshop on mindfulness and being self aware of who we are, our emotions and how we show up as women in the various spaces and/environments. They women will interact with Micheal from Uniquesoapstone experience to create their own soapstone medallion, carving a symbol that represents mindfulness, presence, or a personal intention. This hands-on activity encourages a state of flow and connection, fostering a deeper understanding of how they see themselves mentally. The workshop begins with a short, guided meditation, setting the tone for a mindful carving session, and concludes with an opportunity for reflection and sharing. They will also spend time building connections and journaling.
Men Unplugged – “Breaking the Silence”. Men unplugged will be a speaker and panel dinner hosted on International Men’s Day at the Cochrane Ranchehouse. Cochrane has partnered with Cochrane FCSS, Mental Health Community Liaison and the group abrotherspath, to host a dinner for men, where they will have a guest speaker to share about the importance of breaking the silence as men and will speak to how to break the silence. There will also be a panel discussion with men from various backgrounds such as RCMP, Politician, a dad, a Businessman, a community member on how they break the silence in ensuring their mental health. Leading up to the dinner speaker series they will have a men’s mental health movie night where men come together to build connections
within the community.