Queen’s Health, Counselling and Disabilities Services (HCDS) want students, faculty and staff to think about what makes them happy, and share their thoughts with the campus community through a movie trailer project and event this month.

In partnership with the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) Movie Theatre, HCDS is screening the critically acclaimed film, Happy, an inspirational documentary that looks at what makes people happy around the world. Prior to the screening, HCDS will show a trailer highlighting happiness at Queen’s. The trailer will showcase a selection of quotes from community members, including Principal Daniel Woolf, about what makes them happy.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about mental health and well-being in a positive way,” says Kate Humphrys, Health Promotion Coordinator, HCDS. “It gets people thinking about happiness, and their emotions and personal health. It’s also a great opportunity to remind the community, and provide awareness, of the services available on campus.”

HCDS staff will attend the screening and answer questions before and after the movie. Peer health educators (PHE) – student volunteers trained to provide health information to other students – will also be at the event to speak with students, particularly about what makes them happy.

“As a PHE I like sharing with others what makes me happy. I think a person’s mood is contagious and watching a film like this will only spark happiness for others as well,” says sociology student Tori Abbott (Artsci’14). “It’s important for students to have the chance to think and learn about positive mental health because I don’t think many students know much about it. This movie and trailer project will make students aware that mental health is an important part of our well-being.”

To contribute to the trailer project, please email Ms Humphrys with the answer to the question, “what makes you happy?”

Happy will screen Thursday, January 31 at 7:30 pm in the Red Room, Kingston Hall. Admission is free and all proceeds from popcorn and drink sales will go to mental health programming at Queen’s. HCDS has also secured the educational rights to Happy and will have a copy available for group and classroom use across the university after the screening.