Author: Emily Olsen

Awaken Well-being moves to an online format April 1st, 2020. https://emilyolsenpresents.com/awaken-well-being/

WE ARE LIVE! Thank you to my co-hosts Jen Verscheure and Lisa Bosman for being on this incredible journey with me, your friendships mean more than you can imagine. Thanks to my husband Adam Olsen for the inspiration and how-to and for sharing your podcast process with me. And a massive shout out to my brother Nick Gilchrist of Sonick Studio for answering my thousands of questions and being the incredible editor/sound guru/equipment lending/motivator every step of the way.

Thanks very kindly to Joel and Chantelle and team at Lot2.Media for bringing this vision to life! Please enjoy footage from the 2019 mental health storytelling event. If you wish to get involved, attend, or get a better idea of what the annual event is all about, check it out.

The Connection Project began as a mental health storytelling event in 2018. Speakers shared vulnerable yet powerful accounts of the impacts of mental health challenges on their lives. The storytelling resonated deeply with audience members and a project was born. 

“Since its inception, this project has been an experience of collective healing and growth. It’s an honour to witness the transformation take place as speakers ready themselves for the stage. Everyone’s story has something worthwhile and purposeful to teach the world. There is power when stories are witnessed and individuals embrace the entirety of who they are. The dark. The light. All of it.” – Emily Olsen, Founder

Though the primary driver of the Connection Project is the annual event, it has since expanded to address the need for connection within the community. A weekly drop-in circle is offered locally to provide a community gathering space to discuss and share experiences about mental wellbeing. A podcast is also in the works.