The 75th edition of CMHA Mental Health Week 2026 kicks off in North Bay next Monday morning with a flag raising at city hall<\/p>\n
Published Apr 29, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 3 minute read<\/p>\n
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Plenty to do for Canadian Mental Health Week in North Bay all next week May 1,2026 Photo by MICHAEL LEE \/jpg, NBArticle content<\/p>\n
With loneliness now recognized as a pressing public health issue, the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is emphasizing the power of human connection. For the 75th annual Mental Health Week, May 4 to 10, CMHA North Bay and District and its partners are joining a nationwide movement to strengthen belonging, reduce isolation, and support community wellbeing.<\/p>\n
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Nationally, this year\u2019s theme is Come Together, Canada. Stronger connections, better mental health. It serves as a simple, universal invitation for individuals, workplaces, community groups, and government partners to reach out and connect.<\/p>\n
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Locally, more than a dozen service providers are collaborating to host Come Together, North Bay with events that amplify mental health awareness, shift public perceptions, and showcase the role these agencies play in fostering a connected, supportive community.<\/p>\n
\u201cStrong connections in our lives are more important than we might realize, and easier to find than we might think,\u201d says Mary Davis, CEO of CMHA North Bay and District. \u201cResearch shows us that connection leads to greater mental and physical health, greater safety and resilience, increased prosperity, and even longer life expectancies.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrganizations like ours help facilitate connection for service users; connection can also be as simple as sharing a meal with someone you love, calling an old friend out of the blue, or even exchanging a few kind words with a stranger,\u201d Davis says. \u201cThese moments of connection happen all around us, every day, and they all matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The benefits of strong social support are backed by research. Social isolation \u2013 when a person has limited relationships or social support \u2013 poses significant health risks, even when someone doesn\u2019t explicitly feel lonely. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people experience loneliness and isolation. In Canada, 13% of the population reports feeling lonely \u201calways or often.\u201d Loneliness is linked to mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and physical risks such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality.<\/p>\n
This Mental Health Week, community members are invited to come together and connect.<\/p>\n
MONDAY, MAY 4<\/p>\n
Come Together, North Bay Flag-Raising and Launch<\/p>\n
10:00 a.m. \u2013 City Hall (Ledger Square)<\/p>\n
Flag-raising and proclamation to kick off CMHA Mental Health Week 2026<\/p>\n
Movie Matinee<\/p>\n
1:00 \u2013 3:00 p.m. \u2013 AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area, 147 McIntyre St. West (Suite 102)<\/p>\n
Lights, camera, connection!<\/p>\n
Join the AIDS Committee for free popcorn, treats and a movie in the lounge.<\/p>\n
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TUESDAY, MAY 5<\/p>\n
Mattawa Community BBQ<\/p>\n
12:00 \u2013 1:30 p.m. \u2013 Mattawa Peer Support Centre, 150 Water St., Mattawa (Medical Building)<\/p>\n
Enjoy a free BBQ lunch!<\/p>\n
Cultivating Connection<\/p>\n
4:30 \u2013 6:00 p.m. \u2013 HANDS, 391 Oak St. East<\/p>\n
Families are invited to create and connect with HANDS TheFamilyHelpNetwork through a Seeds of Hope project and other fun activities.<\/p>\n
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6<\/p>\n
Connecting to King Street<\/p>\n
10:00 a.m. \u2013 12:00 p.m. \u2013 120 King St. West<\/p>\n
Stop by the Open House at the North Bay Regional Health Centre\u2019s King Street location. Enter a raffle and enjoy some refreshments while learning more about the Mental Health and Addictions Services offered at this site.<\/p>\n
Pow Wow Fitness Class<\/p>\n
11:00 a.m. \u2013 3:00 p.m. \u2013 Canadore Sports Dome, 60 Commerce Cres.<\/p>\n
Connect with your body and members of your community through authentic Pow Wow dance + Indigenous storytelling hosted by Canadore College\u2019s First Peoples\u2019 Centre.<\/p>\n
THURSDAY MAY 7<\/p>\n
Family Wellness Yoga<\/p>\n
5:00 \u2013 6:00 p.m. \u2013 140 Elmwood Ave.<\/p>\n
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The Children\u2019s Aid Society of the District of Nipissing & Parry Sound host a family yoga session guided by Yogi Master Jaye Pyykkonen.<\/p>\n
FRIDAY MAY 8<\/p>\n
Connected Steps 11:00 a.m. \u2013 12:00 p.m. \u2013 Fraser + Main St. West<\/p>\n
Canadore College hosts an urban walk that aims to foster social interaction while enjoying time outside and reflect on the importance of connection as part of your overall mental health + wellness. (Please arrive at 10:30 a.m. to meet the walk hosts.)<\/p>\n
Register in advance by e-mailing John.Davis@canadorecollege.ca<\/p>\n
Community Connection BBQ<\/p>\n
Noon \u2013 1:30 p.m. Regis Sq. (parkette at Fraser + Main St. West)<\/p>\n
Members of the community are welcome to wrap up our week of connection. Enjoy a free BBQ lunch+ beats by DJ ILL7.<\/p>\n
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