Novi Times

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools recently issued the following announcement.

Navigating through the pandemic has been a daunting task for so many across the community. In early October, Walled Lake Central High School played host to the inaugural Viewspire, an event designed to reimagine mental health, to offer assistance to those in need.

Organizers Nikki O’Donnell, Glen Schwartz, and Walled Lake Northern High School student Mikayla Baksa and a host of volunteers designed the special day aimed at supporting individuals of all ages, and all walks of life.

Nearly 5,000 community members were in attendance to participate in this inaugural event. The event featured a wide range of more than 60 activities and events provided something for everyone. Live music blared in the background as the community enjoyed playing games, physical activities, arts and crafts, and learned mindfulness techniques. The event also featured a remembrance memorial and white dove release to honor those who lost their lives to suicide during the pandemic.

 Nikki O’Donnell M.A., Child Psychologist and Co-Owner of Viewspire said, “The mental health crisis happening right now is real. As someone working in mental health and seeing the impact that the past year has had on our community. I felt passionately that we had to do more.”

The event also provided an opportunity for the community to band together, to break the Hug Buddy World Record, by lining consecutive postcards through the halls of Walled Lake Central High School. Over 31,000 cards were distributed to be colored, numbered and worded in order to be compliant with the record. Over a six month period leading up to Viewspire, over 26,000 Hug Buddy postcards were distributed to schools, hospitals and those in need of a hug. Cards were completed by over 5,000 people including middle and high school students from throughout the Walled Lake School District. The record is believed to have been broken, and is awaiting confirmation from the Guiness Book of World Records.

Glen Schwartz, Co-Owner of Viewpoint Psychology & Wellness added, “Viewspire 2021 afforded us the opportunity to reimagine mental health in ways which had previously not been established. Our mission  was to use our knowledge, resources and passion to create a community event and environment where everybody was welcome to participate.”

When creating Viewspire the five pillars of mental health were used to include activities and experiences that would be fun and therapeutic in nature. The mission is to provide individuals with the tools necessary to take care of their mental health. Ultimately the goal is to bring Viewspire to every community, improving the mental health climate for future generations.

Youth Volunteer Coordinator and Walled Lake Northern High School student, Mikayla Baksa said, “Viewfest to me was very important and had a big impact on our community. Especially from my side of it, working with volunteers, it allowed open communication about mental health and allowed us at Viewspire to help break the stigma of mental health. As a whole, I think Viewfest impacted the community in a positive way, everyone who came out had a smile on their face, and whether or not they knew it they left with more information and coping skills than they came with!”

Donations can be made at www.shopviewspire.com where mental health themed shirts, sweatshirts and more can be purchased.

Photos from the event can be viewed here.

Original source can be found here.