As we bid farewell to Thrive month, our committees are excited to reflect on the incredible success of over 100 events that took place across the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
From cozy coffees, community-led breakfasts, Q&As, and some insightful research discussions, the month was a celebration of social wellbeing, connection, and self-care.
Community-led events
A key highlight of this year's initiative was the engagement of 50 Thrive partners who received grants to organize an array of mental health and wellbeing events. From the practicing of forest bathing to bunny therapy, or creating personalized self-care kits, each event offered a unique perspective. The range of events offered during Thrive month highlighted the diversity of wellbeing experiences for students, faculty, and staff.
Thrive Signature events at UBCV
Thrive kicked off with music and social time, at Thrive by the Fire. This event set the tone for the month, emphasizing the importance of community and social connection.
A first for Thrive was the Research Roundtable, which brought together over 85 individuals from both the Okanagan and Vancouver campuses. The research roundtable centred on the intersections of mental health, social wellbeing, loneliness, and connection. Communities, as discussed in this context, are defined by our shared identity as UBC community members—students, faculty of staff—connected through geography, proximity, and relationships. The interdisciplinary panel of researchers presented insights on critical themes related to mental health and social wellbeing. In addition to the moderated panel discussion, over 85 participants engaged in discussions on tangible ways UBC can prioritize the wellbeing of our collective community.
Thriving at UBCO
At the Okanagan campus, Thrive was an opportunity to move more through the Intercultural Sports, there was a chance to restore at the Rest Café, nourish together through community meals at Picnic, connect over coffee and make self-care kits, give back through the Taste of Home Food Drive, and Random Acts of Thrive (kindness), and so much more.
Signature events like the Coffee Kick-off and Thrive United Way Pit Stop were well attended and reflected smiles, gratitude, and socializing.
Twelve UBCO partners received Thrive micro-grants to host community events or engage their workplace teams in exploring different perspectives to support mental health. Activities like a workplace team field trip to the En’owkin Centre, The Don’t Stress IT meet and greet, Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy Club Mental Health Q & A, and a breakfast for our Academic Champions highlighted creative ways to connect and Thrive at UBC Okanagan!
Do you have a wellbeing example or research project to share?