Lakelands Public Health Encourages Social Connections During Mental Health Week
(April 28, 2026) – Lakelands Public Health is encouraging residents to focus on social connection during Mental Health Week, May 4th to 10th, 2026. This year’s theme highlights the important role social connection plays in supporting mental health and overall well-being, helping to reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of belonging.
To support this, Lakelands Public Health is launching Connection Corner Displays in partnership with 18 library branches across the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County. Residents can visit participating libraries to explore these interactive displays, which highlight the benefits of connection and ways to build social connections, share local programs and resources, and offer a chance to win a connection-themed prize.
“Social connection impacts both our physical and mental health,” said Joanne Brewster, Health Promoter with Lakelands Public Health. “Even small moments, like a conversation, shared activity, or time spent in a community space, can make a meaningful difference. Libraries provide spaces for people to gather, share knowledge, learn, have fun and experience a sense of belonging.”
Connection Corner Displays | Participating Libraries:
- Bobcaygeon Branch – 123 East St. S., Bobcaygeon
- Coboconk Branch – 9 Grandy Rd., Coboconk
- Lindsay Branch – 190 Kent St. W., Lindsay
- Fenelon Falls Branch – 19 Market St., Fenelon Falls
- Bethany Branch – 1474 Hwy 7A, Bethany
- Cobourg Branch – 200 Ontario St., Cobourg
- Brighton Branch –35 Alice St., Brighton
- Codrington Branch – 2992 County Rd. 30, Codrington
- Mary J. Benson Branch – 31 Queen St., Port Hope
- Campbellford Branch – 98 Bridge St. E., Campbellford
- Hastings Branch – 6 Albert St. E., Hastings
- Colborne Branch – 6 King St. W., Colborne
- Castleton Branch – 1780 Percy St., Castleton
- Bette LeBarr Branch – 718 Station Rd., Grafton
- Roseneath Branch – 9059 County Rd. 45, Roseneath
- Dysart Branch (Haliburton Village) – 78 Maple Ave., Haliburton
- Minden Hills Branch – 176 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden
- Wilberforce Branch – 1101 Holmes Rd., Wilberforce
Check This Out!
Follow the link to check out our Mental Health resource page to explore ways you can strengthen your mental health by thinking about what makes you feel positive.
Having good mental health does not mean life is free from challenges. Everyone experiences ups and downs, and connecting with friends, family, neighbours, or co-workers can help people feel supported during difficult times.
When people have strong, supportive social connections, they are more resilient, feel a stronger sense of belonging in relationships and in the community, and experience a better quality of life. Prioritizing connection is an investment in health, both now and in the future.
To learn more about Mental Health Week activities and to find a Connection Corner Display near you, visit LakelandsPH.ca/Connection.
-30-
For More Information:
Media Contact
Ashley Ann Beaulac, SCMP©
Communications Manager
Lakelands Public Health
media@lakelandsph.ca
About Lakelands Public Health
Lakelands Public Health serves the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and the City and County of Peterborough. The organization works to protect health, prevent illness and injury, and promote overall well-being for everyone who lives, works, and learns in the region, including urban and rural communities as well as Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations.
Established through the voluntary merger of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health, Lakelands Public Health combines local knowledge, public health expertise, and a strong community focus to deliver programs and services that respond to local needs. These include infectious disease prevention and control, healthy living initiatives, environmental health, school and family health programs, and emergency preparedness. For more information, visit LakelandsPH.ca.
Contact Our Team
We’re here to help. Reach out and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.