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Black Diamond initiative to improve mental health

FCSS and Black Diamond Strong Mental Wellness Movement are teaming up with hopes to get people showcasing their favourite hobbies at a unique community event this summer.
WW-Suzan Nagel Hobbies BWC 8303 web
Foothills and Community Support Services Black Diamond coordinator Suzan Nagel with her ukulele on July 28. Nagel is planning a market-type event for people to come together and showcase their hobbies.

Improving mental health is behind an initiative in Black Diamond.

Family and Community Support Services and Black Diamond Strong Mental Wellness Movement are teaming up to bring people together to showcase their favourite hobbies.

The idea was born during a conversation FCSS co-ordinator Suzan Nagel had with Riny Tuithof de Jonge, community animator with the mental wellness movement, while brainstorming healthy activities that will help people develop good, positive habits.

“We decided that showcasing hobbies would be a good idea because there’s a lot of talent in these towns,” said Nagel. “If we can convince people to show those talents off a little bit, we can help other people find something that they might be interested in pursuing.”

When and where the event takes place depends on who registers, Nagel said.

“We will get a location and date once we get input from the community in terms of how much interest there is,” she said. “We’re really hoping that residents will be excited to take this opportunity to showcase what inspires them with their fellow community members.”

The types of hobbies the event could showcase include painting, woodworking, leather work, skateboarding, cycling tricks, glass-blowing, and jewelry making.

Nagel said the hobby must be easy to display and illustrate in a market-type environment.

“We would like to see a great cross section with diversity in age and activity because the idea is to foster ideas for other people who are looking to occupy their time in a healthy way,” she said. “We’re looking more for individual-type hobbies for this event because space will be limited and we want to be COVID aware, as well. We want to be properly distanced.”

Rather than being called upon to perform or speak, Nagel said participants will stay at their stations working on their craft or displaying the results of it.

She said the low-key event will be a chance for people to meet others, get ideas and maybe take their hobby to the next level.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to show what they do and that they can turn it into something that you take a little further or make a business out of,” she said. “We’re certainly open to having people have business cards out for exchanging contact information.”

Nagel said hobbies have helped many people through the COVID-19 pandemic, including herself, who turned to reading, sewing, playing the ukulele, scrapbooking and gardening in the first few months.

“When people are isolated it’s helpful if you’ve got a creative outlet, otherwise the stress builds,” she said. “There are many benefits of having a hobby. Some of them can help stimulate your brain and are a great outlet for relieving stress. They can help you grow spiritually by relaxing your mind and help you feel calm and peaceful.”

Those interested in participating or who require more information can contact Suzan Nagel at the Black Diamond town office at 403-933-4348 or email [email protected]

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