Therapy happens everywhere, and that idea is at the heart of a new awareness campaign at Five Counties Children’s Centre, developed in partnership with students in Fleming College’s Graphic Design — Visual Communication program.

The new campaign, Rethink Therapy, highlights the idea that therapy can happen during everyday family life, such as mealtime, play and grocery shopping and not just in a clinical setting like Five Counties.

Each year, Fleming’s Graphic Design – Visual Communication program selects a local community agency as a “client” for students. Five Counties was chosen as the most recent partner agency.

As part of their coursework, students were challenged to develop a comprehensive communications campaign that would help families at Five Counties better understand their role as essential partners in their child’s treatment journey. Drawing on input from Five Counties, Fleming students developed a series of campaign concepts and pitched them to centre staff. Each campaign included a tag line, posters, social media visuals, microsite and other creative elements, reads a release for the campaign.

“The collaboration with Fleming College brought fresh energy, creativity and insight to an important message we’ve long shared with families, namely empowering parents and caregivers to recognize that everyday moments can build skills, confidence and connection with their child,” said Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties. “That was evident in the fabulous campaign concepts that were presented to us by students. It certainly made the process of picking a winning campaign very difficult.”

After reviewing multiple strong concepts from students, Five Counties selected the Rethink Therapy campaign developed by Fleming students/graphic designers Taylor Polley and Austin Lane as the winning creation. 

“During development, I wanted the Rethink Therapy campaign to challenge what people think therapy should be, showing families that it can be found in everyday activities,” said Polley. “Many feel therapy can be difficult. Rethink Therapy was created to shift that mindset, allowing therapy to be seen in a positive light that nurtures growth and confidence.”

Polley was hired by Five Counties after her course was finished to refine her creative concept that now forms the foundation of the Rethink Therapy campaign that will roll out during 2026. The campaign includes posters, pull-up banners, social media assets, parent work sheets and other promotional items that encourage families to realize therapy happens everywhere. 

“When students can take their learning beyond the classroom and into the community, the results are powerful,” explains Dr. Knott, interim president, Fleming College. “Through this collaboration with Five Counties, our Graphic Design – Visual Communication students applied their creativity and strategic thinking to a campaign that will resonate with families. Opportunities like this strengthen our community partnerships while helping shape career-ready graduates.”

A Lunch and Learn on Purple House Services takes place Thursday, March 19 at noon. Purple House Services, dedicated to supporting and uplifting adults living with dementia, was founded by Kelly Murphy after she struggled to find care for her father. Focusing on quality, trust, and genuine relationships, Purple House provides RNs and PSWs who provide in-home and respite care, so families can be supportive loved ones rather than full-time caregivers. The event cost is $10.

An Easter Lunch will be held at Activity Haven Thursday, April 2 at 12:30 p.m. The menu includes a full turkey dinner with dessert. Tables will be assigned. The cost is $25.

Lunches take place most Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The menu varies and always includes tea, coffee and dessert. The cost is $12. Community members are welcome and registration is not required. If you are on the run, you can even get your meal to go.

For further information or to register for the Lunch and Learn or the Easter Lunch call the office at 705-876-1670.

© Peterborough Examiner