Manitoba Rural Women’s Day to focus on mental health

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Published on Saturday, October 14, 2017

Miranda Leybourne
Neepawa Banner & Press

For the second year in a row, the Manitoba Women’s Institute (MWI) is hosting Manitoba Rural Women’s Day, and this year’s theme is all about how a healthy mind is one of the greatest treasures a woman can have.

The MWI is a group, with branches throughout Manitoba. They work within rural communities, on a national scale, through the Federated Women’s Institute of Canada, and internationally, through the Associated Country Women of the World, as advocates for women, families and communities.

This year’s event is scheduled to take place on Sat., Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre and in Komarno at the community centre on Oct. 28. Speakers Elaine Froese, Keith MacPherson and Vicki Olatundun will be sharing ideas about mental health and wellness.

Deb Melosky is the chair of the planning committee for Manitoba Rural Women’s Day. She says it’s meant as a time for rural women to meet, learn and socialize with each other. In addition to the three speakers, there will be three fireside chat participants who will share their personal and professional experience with mental health and wellness.

“The topic for this year is ‘Mental Health and Wellness’ with the theme of ‘A Healthy Mind is a Treasure to Find’,” Melosky explains, There will also be display tables from organizations who are involved in this topic, [such as] Klinic Community Health, the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM), the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, Traditional Medicines and the Aurora Recovery Centre. The day also includes refreshment, lunch and door prizes. Melosky says there will also be a WMI display for anyone interested in getting more information on the organization.

Melosky goes on to say that the theme of mental health and wellness was chosen this year based on feedback from the previous Manitoba Rural Women’s Day and in response to surveys of rural women.

“We wanted to give rural women the opportunity to learn and share on common concerns,” she notes. “Rural women face unique challenges, such as a sense of isolation, and the speakers we have understand very well what rural women face when it comes to keeping in good mental health. This is also an opportunity to connect with the resources that are available in the area.”

Advanced registration forms are available at www.mbwi.ca.  Interested women can also call 204-726-7135.