A local initiative is turning loss into lasting impact, using music and community to support mental health across St. Thomas and Elgin County.
For Brian May, music educator and owner of Studio Arts in St. Thomas, the Anita May Music & Mental Health Fund is deeply personal, created in honour of his late wife, Anita.
After being diagnosed with mental illness in 2010, May shared that Anita spent years managing her condition before it eventually returned.
Through the fund, May and his family are working to carry on her legacy by supporting individuals and organizations in need, in partnership with the Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation.
The fund provides support through grants, bursaries, and partnerships with local and national organizations, while also helping address urgent needs identified within the community.
At the same time, May has launched a companion initiative called Stronger Than the Storm, a more hands-on effort aimed at directly supporting those facing challenges like homelessness and mental health struggles.
Through events like community dances, inclusive music programs, and upcoming fundraisers, those benefits are being shared with people of all ages and abilities.
While the initiatives continue to grow, May says one of the biggest barriers people face when accessing music and arts programming is cost – something the fund hopes to help address moving forward.
Because, as May notes, music and the arts can play a powerful role in mental well-being.
As Mental Health Week shines a spotlight on awareness and support, May hopes Anita’s story can also serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion.
For those looking to learn more or get involved, information on the Anita May Music & Mental Health Fund can be found online or by reaching out through Studio Arts in St. Thomas.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
