Lethbridge Polytechnic Wellness Services
Lethbridge, Alberta
Promotional stress relievers support student well-being
While there’s plenty of joy and excitement that goes along with post-secondary education, it’s not without its challenges. Today’s students balance coursework alongside jobs, family responsibilities, financial pressure and more. At Lethbridge Polytechnic, the Wellness Services department opens in new window helps students navigate those obstacles.
Wellness Services is “basically a one-stop shop for student well-being on campus,” said Lori Harasem, health promotion coordinator. With a staff of about 20, the department provides access to medical care, counselling and mental health support as well as assistance connecting with community resources. The team also develops programs that help address emerging wellness needs among the institution’s 6,500 students.
Holistic approach to student well-being
Wellness Services takes a broad view of student health, supporting mental, physical, social, spiritual and financial well-being. Staff members help students navigate everything from anxiety and grief to housing instability, food insecurity and the challenges of balancing school with parenting responsibilities.
In addition to connecting students with on-campus and community support, the department also hosts educational events and awareness campaigns throughout the academic year. Topics range from addiction awareness and mental health to stress management and suicide prevention.
Promo items become a campus favorite
A one by one grant provided promotional stress relievers opens in new window for Wellness Services. “When I learned we’d received the grant, I knew instantly what I was going to use it for because students are always asking for stress relievers,” Harasem said. The star-shaped stress relievers are distributed throughout the department and offered during counselling sessions, student orientations and campus outreach events. They are also available at information booths hosted throughout the year.
Harasem said the demand reflects a broader trend. Anxiety is one of the most common concerns students bring to Wellness Services, and staff members have seen growing pressure related to finances, work responsibilities and other stressors.
Imprinted with Wellness Services branding, the stress relievers serve as a reminder that free, confidential counselling services are available on campus. “It was really important to have a message there that connects students back to us,” Harasem said. “There could not be a better item to remind students that we offer free and confidential support than a stress reliever. Hopefully every time they look at it or squeeze it, they think of us.”
A note from Cheryl
The Wellness Services team at Lethbridge Polytechnic helps students access the support and resources they need to thrive. We were pleased to provide promotional stress relievers that encourage well-being while helping students stay connected to available support services. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca opens in new window.
For more information about Lethbridge Polytechnic Wellness Services, please visit https://lethpolytech.ca/departments/wellness-services opens in new window