Mental Wellness Fair

2025 Mental Wellness Fair Recap

Our Third Annual Mental Wellness Fair was a well-attended and meaningful event focused on promoting mental health awareness and providing accessible resources to the community. Held at our Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, the venue offered a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, and town staff who helped ensure the event ran smoothly.

More than 30 vendor advocates participated, both inside and outside the venue, offering a wide range of services and information. These included mental health support organizations, wellness product providers, and local service agencies. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with professionals, gather educational materials, and explore tools for improving emotional well-being. Approximately 300 people attended the fair, each gaining valuable insights, resources, and connections. The event emphasized the importance of community collaboration in supporting mental wellness and reducing stigma around mental health challenges.

Event highlights included:

• Free haircuts provided on-site, encouraging self-care and boosting confidence
• A Mobile Market offering fresh produce, meat, and eggs to support nutritional wellness
• Breakout sessions led by Cedar Oaks Clinic focused on mindfulness techniques and aromatic tranquility practices
• Live music and complimentary refreshments, which added to the welcoming and relaxed environment
• Presentation on the dangers of social media

A key feature of the fair was a panel discussion moderated by Symone Lyles, a clinician from UNC’s Mental Health and Performance Psychology Department. The panel brought together a diverse group of voices:

• Karen Pustulka, Occupational Therapist from WakeMed
• BJ Daniels Jr., former NFL quarterback and current Director of Partnerships and Strategic Growth at Evara Health
• Eric and Terry Murray, parents of PGA golfer Grayson Murray, who tragically died by suicide in 2024

Panelists shared personal experiences, professional perspectives, and community resources, sparking thoughtful conversations around mental health, resilience, and the importance of support systems. Their stories resonated deeply with attendees and reinforced the need for open dialogue and accessible care.

The Mental Wellness Fair highlighted the importance of individual and collective efforts in building a healthier, more connected community. It also emphasized the need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Through education, advocacy, and shared experiences, the event contributed to ongoing efforts to strengthen support systems and raise awareness about mental well-being.

Thanks to our 2025 Vendor Advocates!

Disclaimer: The vendor advocates listed on this site are provided for informational purposes only. The Town of Wake Forest appreciates their service to the community and participation in Town events, but does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any interactions, outcomes, or services provided by these individuals or organizations. Use of their services is entirely at your own discretion.

Thanks to our 2025 Vendor Advocates!

Disclaimer: The vendor advocates listed on this site are provided for informational purposes only. The Town of Wake Forest appreciates their service to the community and participation in Town events, but does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any interactions, outcomes, or services provided by these individuals or organizations. Use of their services is entirely at your own discretion.

Thanks to our 2024 Vendor Advocates!

Disclaimer: The vendor advocates listed on this site are provided for informational purposes only. The Town of Wake Forest appreciates their service to the community and participation in Town events, but does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any interactions, outcomes, or services provided by these individuals or organizations. Use of their services is entirely at your own discretion.

Mental Wellness & Self-Care Fair
Saturday, Oct. 21  |  1-4 pm
Wake Forest Renaissance Center, 405 S. Brooks St.

The Town of Wake Forest and several community partners will host a Mental Wellness & Self Care Fair Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1-4 p.m., at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.

Free and open to the public, the event is designed to raise awareness about mental wellness and share information about programs, services, and resources available to loved ones who may be suffering from untreated or undertreated mental illness.

Led by Commissioner Nick Sliwinski, the fair will feature presentations on a variety of topics by experts from several local mental health organizations. Several vendors will also be onsite from organizations, agencies, and non-profits that provide services in the areas of mental health, health care, social services, and more.

This event is open to all – whether you need help or want to know how to support those who do.

View the Agenda

Thanks to our 2023 Vendor Advocates!

Disclaimer: The vendor advocates listed on this site are provided for informational purposes only. The Town of Wake Forest appreciates their service to the community and participation in Town events, but does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any interactions, outcomes, or services provided by these individuals or organizations. Use of their services is entirely at your own discretion.