SMH Day at Vancouver Island University Nanaimo and Duncan Oct.26, 2010

Message from the Vancouver Island University Student Union President

The Vancouver Island University Students' Union is excited to welcome the performers and comedians from Stand Up for Mental Health to our campus.

Mental illness affects individuals, families and communities. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Often mental illness is associated with stigma that can alienate those who suffer from it and their loved ones. Stand Up for Mental Health performers lighten the dialogue on some tough issues that otherwise isolate people, and encourages us to find humour in our challenges. We are happy to be working with them to eliminate stigma, prejudice and discrimination.

By bringing the Stand Up for Mental Health tour to VIU, we hope to encourage a dialogue about mental health on our campus. We hope people suffering from adversity will be comfortable in this community, and we anticipate a lot of laughter as we look forward to this event.

Sincerely,

Nicole Lewis
Chairperson
Vancouver Island University Students' Union