The Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is celebrating Mental Health Week with a BBQ.

It will start at 11 a.m. this morning at its offices at the corner of Portage Avenue and Second Street East.

Director of Services Pauline Hyatt says they are incorporating the week’s theme into the event.

“Mental Health Week is May 1 through 7, and this year the theme is my story. We’re hosting a barbecue to bring people together so that we can socialize and explain more about why this week is important,” says Hyatt.

Hyatt says included with the free lunch will be a QR code that explains how to learn more about their services.

“The idea is Mental Health Week is a social campaign for change, and we wish to educate the public and shift beliefs and perceptions about mental health. We want to promote behaviours and attitudes that foster well-being, support good mental health, and create a culture of understanding and acceptance.”

Hyatt notes every year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental illness or a mental health issue.