Health Update: Swampscott to Host Mental Health and Wellness Conference March 14 – Swampscott Tides – What Experts Say

Various town departments will host a Mental Health and Wellness Conference and Fair on Saturday, March 14 at Swampscott High School.

The free conference and wellness fair, themed “Thriving in Every Season,” will offer a variety of resources and specialists to help residents live their best lives. The conference will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the fair until 3 p.m.

The conference will highlight proactive strategies, coping skills and tools to support resilience and well-being. At 10 a.m., keynote speaker Lisa Tieszen of Resilience Works will set the stage for the day.

“It was very nice to be invited to be involved in this,” Tieszen said.

Tieszen’s presentation will focus on self-awareness, hope, connection and purpose.

“It’s been a time. In this country, we’ve had COVID, which seems so far away and yet present, and it’s just been a rough time between instability in so many ways: economic instability, governmental,” Tieszen said. “People are feeling unsettled, and, in addition, there has been this increasing sense of disconnection and isolation of individuals of all ages. I really want to speak to the importance of building our mental and physical wellbeing.”

Tieszen told the Swampscott Tides the work is meant to “really build our resilience and our capacity to continue to adapt to our changing environments.”

Participants will have the chance to choose from three tracks, each focusing on a different group: older adults, veterans and families.

“Our hope really is to speak to a wide-range of people, and each of these elements really applies to anyone,” Tieszen said. “I’ll give examples across the generations. I’ll give strategies that people can use, wherever they are.”

The conference will conclude with a panel moderated by Tieszen.It will feature local resources and programs around enhancing community wellness.

The fair will feature a variety of local organizations and vendors offering resources and expertise, along with self-care experiences such as a sound bath and yoga class.

The event is being held in collaboration with the Swampscott Recreation Department, Senior Center, Health Department, DAV Chapter 64, Swampscott Public Schools, the Swampscott Commission on Disability, Swampscott for All Ages, and the Swampscott Police and Fire departments.

Preregistration is required to reserve a spot and receive a free lunch. To register, visit bit.ly/46IDE4N or call the Senior Center at 781-596-8866.