Description

Later that same day, Scattered participated in the Kingsdale Mental Health Fair, an event open to students from grades 3 to 6. The fair aimed to introduce mental health resources to young students, bringing together various organizations from the West Island area of Montreal to provide educational and engaging activities. Scattered had the unique opportunity to set up an interactive booth that featured our mindfulness and poetry writing practices.

Our booth was designed to be inviting and sensory-friendly, with calming decorations and a welcoming atmosphere. We provided students with a brief overview of mindfulness and how it can be a useful tool to manage stress or anxiety. After a short and accessible guided meditation, students were encouraged to try their hand at automatic poetry writing. The concept was explained in simple terms, and we emphasized that there was no right or wrong way to express their feelings on paper.

Children approached the activity with enthusiasm, and the creativity they demonstrated was nothing short of inspiring. Many students shared their poetry with us, expressing how writing down their feelings felt like “releasing their worries” or “turning thoughts into colors.” We received numerous poetry submissions, each reflecting the unique emotional experiences of the young participants.

The fair also provided an opportunity to engage with local mental health leaders and educators. We discussed potential collaborations to support neurodivergent youth and explored ways to integrate mindfulness and creative expression into the school curriculum. The overall event was a resounding success, solidifying our presence in the local community and reinforcing the impact of our methods on youth mental wellness.