Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River is welcoming back its second annual Mad Hatter’s Tea, inviting people from across the region to celebrate World Mental Health Day.
The event will be held on Oct. 10 from 1-7 p.m. at the Peace River Agricultural Society Blue Hall and is hosted by About U and Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services.
In a letter to council, About U’s Victoria Champion says the event is to focus on how important mental health is to people of all ages.
“Mental Health is vital, as it influences how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives,” Champion writes.
“It affects our ability to cope with stress, build relationships, and make decisions,” she adds. “Good mental health is essential for overall well-being, enabling individuals to function effectively in their personal, professional, and social lives.”
The event is meant to help promote positive mental health and will showcase the mental health programs, resources, and services available throughout the Peace Region. It will feature local vendors and will be an Alice in Wonderland themed tea, with participants encouraged to wear costumes.
“We are inviting regional supports to have a booth specific to mental health,” says FCSS director Amber Houle.
“We are encouraging each station to have an activity and are using this as an opportunity for people to connect to resources available to them in the region,” she adds.
Houle explains agencies continue to innovate and create new programs, making the annual Mad Hatter’s Tea even more crucial to host.
“The afternoon will feature high tea with dainties,” says Houle, explaining that dainties are small snacks.
“There will also be door prizes and the chance to connect with one another in a safe space to have conversations about mental health.”
Houle says this is a great opportunity to dress up in fun attire, focus on mental health and have a day with like-minded people.
For more information on the event or to reserve a spot, please contact Houle at (780) 625-3287.