Interested in hosting an event this November at UBC Vancouver campus, but don’t have enough funding? If your event is focused on mental health and social connection, consider applying for a Thrive Grant to receive up to $300 in funding!
November is Thrive month—a time when the UBC community comes together to learn about, talk about, and explore ways to support our mental health. With a Thrive Grant, you have the opportunity to lead activities during Thrive and support mental health and resilience at UBC. Thrive Grant applications are now open and will be approved on a rolling basis until funds are allocated.
Are you interested in applying but stuck for ideas? Here are just a few ways you could use a Thrive Grant:
1. Share a meal together
Snacks are a great way to prompt conversations and build social connections. If you’re not sure what kind of tasty treats to provide for your attendees, here are some ideas on what to pair with each event:
- Popcorn always complements a movie night
- Pizza is easy to grab at an evening event
- Fruit and vegetable platters are a fun and healthy way to energize your audience
Adding food to your wellbeing event easily encourages more people to attend and learn to thrive together!
2. Use learning tools to start a conversation
Another way to engage your attendees is with learning tools such as books or magazines. You could purchase books centred on mental health literacy and organize an introductory discussion through a book club. Or, buy magazines, glue, and scissors and invite attendees to make their own themed collage—a great way to help attendees connect with their peers and de-stress during midterm season.
3. Build self-care kits to support wellbeing
Design your own wellbeing kit to pass out at your event, or build kits together with your attendees. Items such as tea, tissues, lotion, and face masks are popular for self-care kits, and ingredients for quick and easy meals are ideal if you’re preparing a meal kit.
4. Learn new skills from a facilitator
To spice up your event, invite a guest speaker or facilitator to guide a workshop. A therapist sharing mental health resources on campus and tips for handling stress during exam season could go a long way. You could also ask a professor to give a guided nature walk around Pacific Spirit Park to help attendees decompress and get to know their surroundings.
5. Book a space on campus
Every awesome Thrive event needs a location! While spending time outdoors is always a good idea, some events are better suited to an indoor space. The Thrive Grant can be used to book a rental space in the AMS Nest or other available spaces on campus.
The bottom line is, there are all kinds of ways to use the $300 Thrive Grant—so brainstorm some fun event ideas that centre on mental health and social connection, and apply today! Also, don’t forget to check out the Thrive Events Calendar for ways to join one of the dozens of peer-led events on offer all through the month of November.
