Natalie Cook, facilitator for the Movies for Mental Health workshop

Art With Impact is a non-profit organization that promotes mental wellness by creating space for young people to learn and connect through art and media. 

The non-profit put on a two-hour workshop, “Movies for Mental Health,” which was sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office of Counseling and Wellness. Natalie Cook, a filmmaker, poet and theater-maker, facilitated the workshop.

Three compelling short films were shown depicting topics of depression, anxiety, gender identity, addiction, burnout, suicide and PTSD. The workshop also raised awareness around mental health and illness, the stigma attached to mental health and self-care practices. Self-care exercises were integrated into the workshop and there was open dialogue and small-group discussion throughout.    

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion featuring Tina Wells, director of Counseling and Wellness, student Jada Bell, and Tanieka Gentles from Gentles Counseling Services. Their unified message to the QCC community was that resources are available to anyone needing support, and you don’t have to navigate challenges alone.

For assistance, please reach out to Counseling and Wellness on campus in room B56A or via email at counselingandwellnessoffice@qcc.mass.edu or to Gentles Counseling Services in Worcester at http://tgcounseling.com.