Be Kind to Your Mind! Youth Fair Success

Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds is a local group dedicated to talking more openly about mental health, building a resilient community, and supporting those at risk. They meet monthly at the Portage Lake District Library, all community members are welcome to attend.

The group hosted their first free youth-focused mental health and wellness fair, Be Kind to Your Mind!, on January 27, 2024 at Hancock Middle School. Youth ages 13 to 19 were invited to participate and free transportation was offered through Reliable Rides - Taxi and Errands. The event featured nine stations with different activities supporting self care; a resource table; three speakers sharing their stories of struggle and recovery; a relaxing sound bath; raffle drawings; food and drink; all at no cost to participants!

22 local youth between ages 13-19 and five parental figures attended the event to learn more about mental health and benefit their well-being through activities and community.

Feedback from the event 

“The three speakers - amazing. Speaking as a parent, absolutely incredible.”

“I really liked how kind everyone was and how welcoming and accepting this event felt.”

“Do it again. It will get bigger. Thank you so much!!”

“Sound Bath. It made me relaxed.” 

“I liked the bookmarks because it was really creative.” 

“The Fair was inspiring.” 

Thank you to all attendees and supporters of the Be Kind to Your Mind! Youth Fair. We hope to host this event again in the upcoming years! Follow Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds on Facebook to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and mental health related resources.

Be Kind to Your Mind! Youth Fair 2024 was supported by the following organizations: 

Keweenaw Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, Reliable Rides - Taxi and Errands