To the Wilton Community:

Wilton takes pride in being a supportive, compassionate community. May is Mental Health Action Month. Throughout the month, Wilton Youth Council, together with our umbrella groups, the Coalition for Youth and Mental Health Task Force, asks that you not only help build awareness of increasing mental health challenges that people of all ages are facing but also take action. What steps can you take to build connections with a neighbor or community member? Check-in on them and show yourself as an ally. How can you Pave Your Path To Wellness? It takes 21 days to form a new habit. What steps towards greater wellness can you take in your own life? Or to improve the well-being of your family?

Take time to stop by the Wilton Library and see the green and white pinwheels set up throughout the month of May. The 256 green pinwheels represent calls made to 988 and 211 from Wilton in the last 365 days that relate to mental health and addiction. The 339 white pinwheels represent the 3-in-5 people from Wilton suffering from mental health and addiction issues who do not reach out for help.

There are a myriad of events being planned throughout May to get involved:

  • Thursday, May 2: Claudia Erickson of Global Day of Unplugging will be speaking at 7 p.m. at Wilton Library. She’ll cover a broad range of topics on Digital Wellness. Register online.
  • Friday, May 3: Wilton Evening of Unplugging — Embrace a few minutes, hours or the entire evening offline by building connections with family, friends, nature or just taking a break from technology. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and put your phone away!
  • Saturday, May 11: Screening of the movie Inside Out in the Wilton High School Little Theater at 5:45 p.m. There will be food trucks and a Wellness Fair taking place as well! Register online.
  • Saturday, May 11: Wellness Fair at Wilton High School from 5-7:30 p.m. Come learn more about resources and tips on Paving Your Path to Wellness at the first Community Wellness Fair!
  • Thursday, May 16: Mental Health Action Day — Wear your green pin all day to show your support for everyone who struggles with or knows someone who battles mental health challenges. Pins can be obtained from a variety of local businesses in Wilton.
  • Thursday, May 16: Statement on Mental Health Awareness, Support and Action: Public recognition of and support for those in our community facing challenges with their own mental health. Join town leaders and community members in showing your support as an ally to those struggling with their own mental health at the Wilton Library at 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 16: Color Dash at Middlebrook School from 3-4:30 p.m. This program seeks to engage the entire middle school student body, no matter what level of fitness or capability, in an initiative that promotes a life-long healthy way of living. During the event participants are doused with color at various color stations, and the event ends with one final color celebration at the finish line. Youth to Youth student members are excited about the success of the Color Dash in past years and are looking forward to making this the best one yet!
  • Wednesday, May 22: Opioid Education and Naloxone Administration Training at Comstock Community Center from 10-11 a.m. Register online.

Throughout the month, we encourage all of you to take the time to focus on your wellness. When we take care of ourselves, we make better partners, better parents and are healthier. Find the time to meet friends for coffee, take a walk, read, do a puzzle, unplug and experience nature. Get together with neighbors, journal, garden — find what’s right for you! How will you Pave Your Path to Wellness this month?

Wilton Youth Council
WYC Wilton Coalition for Youth
WYC Mental Health Task Force