Pearl Lorentzen
Slave Lake and Area Mental Health Network

Many people find involvement in activities, community groups, or physical activity beneficial to their overall wellbeing. Also, over the last few years, many people have experienced a great deal of loneliness.

With these two things in mind, the Slave Lake and Area Mental Health Network (SLAM) chose ‘health connections and positive activities’ for its 2022 theme. To promote this, SLAM has partnered with the Town of Slave Lake to offer a Welcome Back Fair on Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the fieldhouse at the Slave Lake Multi Rec Centre. Admission is free, but food bank donations are welcome.

The goal of the event is for people living in Slave Lake and the M.D. of Lesser Slave River to learn about some of the opportunities for community involvement, recreation, and support services.

As of August 31, 36 of 52 tables were filled. Some examples are the Hospital Auxiliary, Woods and Water Recreational Trails Association, Slave Lake Handbells, Indigenous Psychological Services, The Rested Baby Co., both Slave Lake dance studios, Survivor’s Hope DVA, and the Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre.
These offer support services, programs, or volunteer opportunities.

Everyone’s experience of a community is different, but one of the best ways to find things to do in a small town or rural area is to join a local club, group, or non-profit. Slave Lake and area has a wide variety of recreation options, but not everyone knows about these.

To register a group, organization, or business, please contact slavelakementalhealth@gmail.com. People can also follow SLAM on Facebook and Instagram.

SLAM is a grassroots movement to improve individual and collective mental wellness in Slave Lake and area.

This event was funded by a grant from the Rural Mental Health Network.