Colour Me Calm: A New Mentality Art Event

Colour Me Calm is a look into the mind of youth and how art can promote good mental health. We invite you to view this exciting show and enjoy diverse artworks by local youth.

The New Mentality is a group of youth ages 14-24 looking to make a change in the world of children and youth mental health.

Opening Reception: Tuesday, Jan 7th from 4pm-6pm – everyone welcome!

FREE ADMISSION

When: January 3-16, 2020

Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Where: Tett Gallery, 1st Floor (bottom level)

Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning 

370 King Street West, Kingston, ON

Sponsored by the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning 

Presented by The Maltby Centre & The New Mentality Group

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/735804776916952/

The Maltby Centre: KFL&A's Leading Agency for Mental Health and Autism Services

We understand that dealing with mental health and/or autism issues can be challenging. But we always remain optimistic: we believe in possibilities. We believe that people can change and grow. We believe that children and youth experiencing mental health or autism concerns deserve quick access to services that will actually help them. You should never feel judged; you should always feel encouraged.

The New Mentality Group

The New Mentality is a group of youth ages 14-24 looking to make a change in the world of children and youth mental health. With the support of an adult ally, Tammy Halladay, the youth travel around the Kingston area presenting their stories of personal experiences with mental illness to teachers, students, parents, and other mental health agencies, in hopes of raising awareness of mental illness. The group does not only share stories. They are often found playing games with their audiences to break the ice and facilitate conversation. Some favourites of the group include Where the Wind Blows, which encourages the participants to relate to others in the room about similarities that we all inevitably share with someone. Another favourite of the group is called the Line Game, which encourages participants to step forward from a line if they have experienced a scenario that has been stated, for example, “Step forward if you know someone with a mental illness”. This is to show that, for the most part, almost everyone knows someone who is struggling with their mental health. The purpose of these games is to decrease the stigmatization of mental illness and to show participants that they are not alone.

WHY THE NEW MENTALITY?

You may ask, “What is so special about the New Mentality?” and to that many of the members would respond with “family”. The New Mentality is so much more than just a group. It is a network of youth seeking peace and comfort in a way that also spreads the word that “we aren’t just the one in five”. Along with being an awareness group, the New Mentality has also become a support network for those a part of the group through open conversations, understanding beliefs and supportive attitudes. The members of the group are passionate about the work that is done because the reason they are here is that everyone has experienced mental illness, if not first hand, then with family and friends. The New Mentality is sincerely a beacon of hope for those who are struggling with mental illness because it is proof that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and with coping strategies and support from those who care, it is possible to live a productive, happy life.

OUR PROJECTS

• Engaging youth in the rural area
• LGBTQ++ and Mental Health workshops
• Presentations in schools and community
• Open Mic events
• Support other community Groups
• Partnerships with community agencies
• Presentation in Collins Bay Institution
• Peer -to -peer support

Learn more: https://www.thenewmentality.ca/tnm-group/pathways-the-kingston-new-mentality-group/