2026 Mental Wellness Fair Saturday, Sept. 26 | 1-4 pm Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
Supporting Community Well‑Being
The Town of Wake Forest is proud to host its 4th Annual Mental Wellness Fair, a community event dedicated to promoting emotional well‑being, reducing stigma, and connecting residents with supportive resources.
Last year's theme focused on the pressures of athletics. This year’s theme places a special focus on youth mental health, with the Wake County Youth Health Council participating in both the main panel discussion and an interactive breakout session. The panel is titled "Plugged In: Conversation about Kids, Technology & Mental Health". The breakout sessions feature a teen led session for teens about "Social Media Burnout" and information about a new initiative "Well Check Wednesday".
The Fair brings together local organizations, wellness advocates, and service providers offering practical tools, hands‑on activities, and information for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. Attendees can explore resources, engage with professionals, and participate in activities designed to build confidence, resilience, and connection.
The Mental Wellness Fair continues to grow each year, reflecting Wake Forest’s commitment to fostering a caring, informed, and supportive community.
Thanks to our 2026 Vendor Advocates! Be sure to connect with them at the Mental Wellness Fair
* Featured on the main stage # Breakout session + Outside If you have any questions, contact Andrew Brown, Jr.
Archives
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.
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.
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.
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.
