From May 4 to 10, 2026, the VBM highlights Mental Health Week, led by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), under the theme “Come together. Stronger connections, better mental health.” This week reminds us of the importance of human relationships in helping us navigate challenges and feel supported.

These relationships and connections are key protective factors for mental health. Beyond broad principles, it is often everyday interactions, a conversation, a listening ear, or simply being present that make a real difference.

Volunteering as a Space for Connection and Belonging

In this context, volunteering stands out as a privileged space for connection. It enables people to actively engage in their community while building meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. By creating opportunities to come together, volunteering helps strengthen both the social fabric and individuals’ psychological well-being.

Recognition, active listening, and feeling supported all contribute to resilience. Conversely, isolation can weaken individuals and limit access to support. Environments that foster social connections, whether community-based, volunteer-driven, or professional, therefore play a key role in promoting positive mental health.

At the VBM, this reality is at the heart of our work. By valuing and supporting volunteer engagement, we help create environments where relationships can thrive and where everyone can find a space to get involved, connect, and grow.

Getting Involved to Make a Difference

Community mental health is built collectively. Among other things, it relies on our ability to care for one another and to foster environments where people feel welcomed and supported.

For Mental Health Week, the VBM invites everyone to take concrete action to strengthen these connections and community solidarity: reach out, check in on someone, or get involved as a volunteer. The VBM thus reaffirms its commitment to promoting practices that foster healthier, more human, inclusive, and supportive environments.

To learn more and explore the tools offered by CMHA, visit the official Mental Health Week website.