Connecting our Community
2026 CMHA MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2026
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 [CA1.1]10, CMHA North Bay and District and its partners are joining a nationwide movement to strengthen belonging, reduce isolation, and support community wellbeing.
Nationally, this year’s 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.
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.
“Strong connections in our lives are more important than we might realize, and easier to find than we might think,” said Mary Davis, CEO of CMHA North Bay and District. “Research shows us that connection leads to greater mental and physical health, greater safety and resilience, increased prosperity, and even longer life expectancies.
“Organizations 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,” Davis added. “These moments of connection happen all around us, every day, and they all matter.”
The benefits of strong social support are backed by research. Social isolation – when a person has limited relationships or social support – poses significant health risks, even when someone doesn’t 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 “always or often.” Loneliness is linked to mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and physical risks such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality.
This Mental Health Week, community members are invited to come together and connect.
Come Together, North Bay is made possible by a strong network of partners, including: AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area; Canadore College; Canadore College First Peoples’ Centre; Children’s Aid Society Elmwood; City of North Bay; Downtown North Bay & Waterfront; HANDS TheFamilyHelpNetwork; North Bay Regional Health Centre; Lived Experience & Recovery Network; North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit; Nipissing Wellness Ontario Health Team; OUTLoud; and Yes Employment Services (Nipissing).
MONDAY, MAY 4
Come Together, North Bay Flag-Raising and Launch
10:00 a.m. – City Hall (Ledger Square)
Flag-raising and proclamation to kick off CMHA Mental Health Week 2026
Movie Matinee
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area, 147 McIntyre St. West (Suite 102)
Lights, camera, connection!
Join the AIDS Committee for free popcorn, treats and a movie in the lounge.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Mattawa Community BBQ
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Mattawa Peer Support Centre, 150 Water St., Mattawa (Medical Building)
Enjoy a free BBQ lunch!
Cultivating Connection
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. – HANDS, 391 Oak St. East
Families are invited to create and connect with HANDS TheFamilyHelpNetwork through a Seeds of Hope project and other fun activities.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
Connecting to King Street
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – 120 King St. West
Stop by the Open House at the North Bay Regional Health Centre’s King Street location. Enter a raffle and enjoy some refreshments while learning more about the Mental Health and Addictions Services offered at this site.
Pow Wow Fitness Class
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Canadore Sports Dome, 60 Commerce Cres.
Connect with your body and members of your community through authentic Pow Wow dance + Indigenous storytelling hosted by Canadore College’s First Peoples’ Centre.
THURSDAY MAY 7
Family Wellness Yoga
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – 140 Elmwood Ave.
The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Nipissing & Parry Sound host a family yoga session guided by Yogi Master Jaye Pyykkonen.
FRIDAY MAY 8
Connected Steps
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Fraser + Main St. West[CA2.1]
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.)
Register in advance by e-mailing John.Davis@canadorecollege.ca
Community Connection BBQ
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Regis Sq. (parkette at Fraser + Main St. West)
Members of the community are welcome to wrap up our week of connection. Enjoy a free BBQ lunch+ beats by DJ ILL7.
You can find more information on Mental Health Week and how you can get involved by visiting nbd.cmha.ca/mental-health-week
About CMHA North Bay and District
A not-for-profit charitable organization, Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay and District is this area’s leading provider of community mental health, addiction, and peer support services. We are affiliated with a network of CMHA branches across Ontario and CMHA’s provincial division and are governed by a volunteer board of directors. Our mission is to promote wellness and empower individuals to achieve their full potential by providing collaborative supports and advocacy.
