Mental health awareness event in South Bend Saturday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the South Bend Empowerment Zone announced that it will host the First Annual West Side Refresh event on Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Washington High School.

"The West Side Refresh is a Mental Health Awareness month event to destigmatize mental health conversations and provide families with tools for personal wellness," said SBEZ Chief of Staff Julia Tao. "The free event is open to the entire West Side community, as well as to anyone across the city who wishes to participate.

The event will include:

• A wellness-themed funfair with vendor giveaways, face painting, and bounce houses.
• Wellness workshops, with options for adults and students, from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
• Local food trucks: Franky’s Tacos, Pinyo’s Kitchen, Angles on Wheels.

Organizers say the event is made possible with the support of presenting sponsor, Beacon, and community partners Ivy Tech, Anthem, Bowen Center, South Bend Education Foundation, Girl Coalition of Indiana, MDWise, Oaklawn, CareSource, and NDFCU.

Washington High School is located at 4747 W Washington Street in South Bend.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression or any other mental illness, reach out to the Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988 or visit the Indiana Suicide Prevention Resource website.