What We've Done
Hi-FIVE Movement started in 2013, with a lot of evolution and events occurring over the last decade. Hi-FIVE was originally used as an acronymn but has since taken on its own meaning and identity at SFU. Below is a list outlining some of our history and what we've done - including some things you may or may not have seen around campus already.
Past recruitment and promotional videos
In 2013, we passed around a journal to encouraged students to open up share their experiences and common struggles with mental health like depression, anxiety and grief.
View our previous volunteer recruitment video from 2014, and learn what past opportunities for volunteers have looked like.
Friendship Bench
The yellow bench, which now lives in the AQ building, serves as a permanent symbol of mental health awareness and of SFU's vision for a vibrant stigma-free community. The Friendship Bench is a non-profit organization that aims to get people talking about mental health.
Plaque Unveiling
On January 26, 2016, SFU President Andrew Petter unveiled the Hi-FIVE plaque to recognize the first permanent stigma-free space at SFU located in the AQ Courtyard on the South Side across from SFU Art Gallery on the SFU Burnaby campus.
Developed a Pledge to Eliminate Stigma
You may notice signs with our old logo on doors of SFU staff and faculty, and this is the legacy of the previous Hi-FIVE team. They created a Pledge to Elimnate Stigma across campus and distributed posters and stickers to those who created safe spaces to discuss mental health.
Read the pledge here
Hi-FIVE's aim or call to action is to eliminate stigma towards those who are experiencing mental health distress or illness (now or in the past). We asked the SFU community to join us in taking the pledge, and respect and embrace anyone experiencing mental health distress or mental illness.
I am committed to the following regarding those who experience or have experienced mental illness or mental health distress including myself:
- I am committed to embracing and respecting those experiencing mental health distress and mental illness.
- I am committed to standing up (and speaking up) when disrespect is shown against those experiencing mental health distress and mental illness.
- I am committed to making a difference and promoting wellness in the lives of those experiencing mental health distress and mental illness.
- I am committed to conducting myself and my endeavours in a manner that is respectful of those who experience mental health distress and mental illness.
- I pledge to know the facts, to being aware of my attitudes and behaviours, and to speaking and acting respectfully when discussing or speaking to those with mental health distress and mental illness.
- I am committed to suspending judgments against people who experience mental health distress and mental illness.
- I am committed welcoming friendships and/or relationships with those experiencing mental health distress and mental illness.
- I am committed to not treating people who experience mental health distress and mental illness as if all they are is their diagnosis.
What You Can Do
Explore your beliefs about mental health and enroll in our Canvas course. You can also connect with us on social and get involved.
Resources
SFU has a variety of support options available for students. See below a comprehensive list of resources available at SFU and in the community.
Meet Hi-FIVE
Read our Executive bios and learn more about who we are as individuals and what we're bringing to the team.