King's student brings comfort coping kits to the community

Written by Elizabeth Hauspie, Communications Work Study Student

Kristin Legault, Fourth Year Honours Double Major in Psychology and Disability Studies is not only a King’s student, but she is also a mental health advocate, author and researcher. Legault recently created comfort coping kits which she delivered to the Middlesex branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association for distribution to people who visit the 24/7 Crisis Centre on Huron Street in London or utilize the Crisis Stabilization program.

The kits contain colouring cards, markers, a stuffed animal, a journal, pens, a stress ball, mental health stickers and a hand-written note.

To start the project, Legault applied for a #Rising Youth grant from TakingITGlobal, the Government of Canada and Canada Service Corps. Legault's project aims to enforce a sense of community and that those struggling with mental health are not alone.

"I want to give credit to my time at King's for instilling in me the value of giving back to my community," says Legault. Many at King’s are equally inspired by Legault’s efforts. "I applaud Kristin in developing this important initiative to show care for our community in these unprecedented times,” says Joe Henry, Dean of Students.

Legault has lived experience with the mental health system. "I've personally struggled with my mental health from a young age. I know first-hand how isolating and difficult it is. I wanted other people who are struggling to feel like someone cares about them and what they're going through. Hopefully they can walk away with some coping items and comfort that may help them,” Says Legault.

Legault was also featured on CTV News London: https://london.ctvnews.ca/mobile/london-woman-creates-mental-health-coping-kits-1.5088222.