Written by Lee Holstead, Library and Research Technician, Durham Region Law Association
The Durham Region Law Association Mental Health Committee launched their very first Meet and Greet: Mental Health Session in March of 2025. This session came to life after librarian Jennie Clarke expressed the need for normalizing Mental Health in the workplace, particularly within the legal community. Having spent time researching various mental health authors, doctors, and podcast facilitators, she started a collection on mental health and also created a tab on the DRLA website with mental health resources.
As well, through classes that Jennie has taken on mental health, one thing she learned about was the importance of the Slinky toy. Yes, you read this correctly. One was purchased and sits with the collection and is available for circulation. She has been the guiding light in this evolution of fostering and supporting others in their Mental Health journey. With the support and encouragement of her past President, Ramona Abraham, the Mental Health Committee was formed in 2024 and led by Jeff Robles along with Jennie Clarke and Henaa Mall. We could not be in better hands with their leadership.
The first session began with Library staff, Jennie Clarke and Lee Holstead, who are both trained as Mental Health First Aiders through OpenMinds as well as their personal wellness tools and strategies with mental health. The library office has always been seen as a safe space for conversation, whether it be lighthearted or serious. Utilizing their time in terms of library services is essential in providing library needs, but ensuring the community around them is doing well is just as important.
Jeff Robles, Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation, emulates a work ethic and dedication to educating and advocating on mental health: he spoke on Mental Health and Wellness. We had two special guests; the first was Dr. Carlos Yu, Assistant Professor at Queen’s University, Department of Family and Community Medicine & Ontario Health Team, Physician and Community Engagement Lead for Durham. Dr. Yu spoke about the Science of Mental Health exploring its importance and critical role in fostering strength, reducing stress and improving clarity and decision making.
Our session closed with a session from Reiki Master and Spiritual Healer, Cythnia Fackrell. Cynthia passionately spoke of the benefits of Reiki and led the group through a gentle mediation that shifted everyone and brought a gentle healing awareness. Afterwards, the calm in the room was truly serene.
The second Meet and Greet: Mental Health Summit will take place in November 2025. We are looking forward to discussing the topics of mental health within our courthouse, specific training geared for the legal profession, a personal story on sobriety, the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace and ending with a Reiki mediation.