Cultivating Mental Wellness with Not Myself Today
Vaughan Public Libraries
Innovation Synopsis
Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) introduced an innovative Mental Wellness program called Not Myself Today, an initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association. This program aims to enhance the mental wellbeing of our employees and cultivate a supportive workplace culture for all VPL employees.
Not Myself Today provides VPL’s employees with an evidence-based, practical solution to improve mental wellbeing, raise awareness and understanding of mental health, reduce stigma, and create a safe and supportive work environment.
Challenge/Opportunity
VPL recognized a greater need for employees to feel supported in the workplace when it comes to mental health and wellness meanwhile providing better access to mental health resources and information. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) research with University of British Columbia found that 41% of Canadians reported a decline in their mental health since the onset of the pandemic. VPL sought out a solution that:
- Offered the ability to create greater awareness about mental health.
- Facilitated an approach to overcoming stigma surrounding mental health.
- Created a safe and supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
- Supported our employees' holistic well-being, ultimately benefiting both our employees and the organization as a whole.
Through the Not Myself Today initiative, VPL can support its employees’ mental health and wellness meanwhile fostering a workplace culture that values and supports mental health and wellness.
Key Elements of Innovation
Not Myself Today at VPL adopts a multifaceted approach that includes online learning modules, interactive activities, resources for employees and leaders, and comprehensive toolkits. In addition, VPL launched a newsletter campaign to promote the resources available in the program and leverages the learning modules to host engaging and interactive Lunch and Learn sessions for employees on Not Myself Today topics. These resources help employees understand both their own mental health and that of others, offering practical advice on how to take meaningful steps toward improving mental wellbeing.
Achieved Outcomes
The Not Myself Today initiative at VPL aims to achieve several key outcomes:
- Increased awareness and education through an enhanced understanding of mental health issues among employees.
- Greater knowledge of mental health resources and support systems.
- Decreased stigma associated with mental health challenges.
- Foster a culture of acceptance which advocates for open and supportive discussions about mental health in the workplace.
- Increased utilization of resources including higher engagement with mental health resources and programs and more employees accessing counseling, support groups, and wellness activities.
- Creates a more inclusive and supportive work environment and a stronger sense of community and collaboration among staff.
- Leaders demonstrating commitment to mental health initiatives.
- Regular assessment and reporting on mental health outcomes.
