BLOOM Day 2026: A Day of Connection, Learning, and Well-Being
This year’s event once again offered a rich and meaningful day filled with activities, connection, and inspiring moments. BLOOM Day was made possible thanks to the support of our partners and sponsors, as well as the exceptional dedication of the entire BLOOM Project team.
BLOOM Day is an annual event that brings together participants from the ECLOS/BLOOM program, their families, researchers, clinicians, and community members around shared goals: promoting mental health, fostering exchange, and celebrating everyone’s commitment to research and well-being.
Inspiring presentations on mental health
The day began with an opening address by our director Dr. Lena Palaniyappan, who emphasized the importance of building bridges between research, youth, families, and community partners in order to advance knowledge and improve mental health services.
Guests were then welcomed by Adriana Redensek, Research Coordinator of the ECLOS/BLOOM project. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the mission of the project, presented the day’s agenda, and underscored the importance of creating spaces that encourage dialogue, learning, and exchange among all stakeholders involved in mental health promotion.
This year, we had the privilege of welcoming two researchers from the Douglas Research Centre:
- Dr. Rachel Rabin gave a presentation titled: “How Much Weed Is Too Much?”. Through an accessible and informative talk, she addressed the challenges related to cannabis use among youth, highlighting current scientific knowledge and key factors to consider for safer use.
- Dr. Anthony Gifuni, in his presentation: “To Be Seen, To Be Heard, To Be Understood”, reminded us of the fundamental importance of authentic human connection and the feeling of being understood in maintaining good mental health.
- Two members of the Youth Council also shared their experiences and involvement in various research projects and facilitating mental health workshops. Their testimonies helped shed light on the essential contribution of young people to research.
The day also featured a touching testimony from a parent participating in the ECLOS/BLOOM program. By sharing her involvement as a study participant, she offered a valuable perspective on the real-life impact of research and collaboration between researchers, participants, and families.
A wide range of activities to support well-being
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to connect with several community organizations and mental health partners. Booths hosted by the Douglas Foundation, Ami-Québec, Interligne, and Love et Agir allowed guests to discover essential community resources, engage with service providers, and learn more about available support services.
In addition to these booths, participants enjoyed a wide variety of activities designed to promote well-being, creativity, and connection.
Creative workshops, relaxation spaces, awards presentations, and group activities all contributed to a warm and inclusive atmosphere throughout the day. The highly popular puppy yoga session, in particular, offered a moment of relaxation and joy that was especially appreciated by participants.
These activities allowed everyone to take time to recharge, meet new people, and explore different ways of caring for their mental health in everyday life.
A day made possible by the BLOOM team and our partners
The success of BLOOM Day 2026 would not have been possible without the commitment of the BLOOM team, our volunteers, partners, and sponsors. Their continued support makes it possible each year to offer an accessible, engaging, and enriching event for participants and their loved ones.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Douglas Foundation, Enfant Soleil, the Graham Boeckh Foundation, the Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation, and the Molson Foundation for their invaluable support, as well as to our valued collaborators at the Douglas Research Centre and the McGill University for their partnership, expertise, and ongoing contributions
We would also like to thank all additional sponsors who generously donated prizes for the event.
Finally, thank you to all participants who helped make this day such an inspiring experience. We are already looking forward to welcoming you back for the next edition of BLOOM Day.
