The Town of Acton is sponsoring two programs geared toward parents, community members, and professionals as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Awareness Month — recognized in May — aims to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness as well as promote strategies and provide support for prioritizing mental health.
The two sponsored programs are for residents of all ages, to support community members’ mental health.
Youth Mental Health First Aid will take place on Thursday, May 30, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Acton Town Hall, Meeting Room 204, 72 Main St.
This training program will teach adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. To register, please reach out to Regional Community Health and Wellness Coordinator Brittany Nash at bnash@westfordma.gov.
A guided meditation program based on the Breathe for Change training occurred on Friday, May 10, and Friday, May 17, from 10-11 a.m. at Acton Memorial Library as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Nash has been teaching this workshop, called “Mind and Every Body”, twice monthly in Acton since February, 2023. She said that participants, usually about five per class, practice setting intentions, light stretching, breathing techniques, and relaxation and mindfulness. Yoga mats and meditation cushions are provided at each session. Register for future sessions through the Acton library calendar.
Health & Family Services Director Penelope Funaiole, and Director of Libraries Maria Palacio, are department sponsors.
Funding for both programs was made possible through North West Public Health Coalition, which serves Acton, Westford, Lowell, and Dracut.
Those with questions regarding the Mental Health Awareness Month programming should contact Laura Ducharme at 978-929-6651 or lducharme@actonma.gov.