GUELPH – In its 10th season, the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington and Guelph Storm partnered together for a mental health awareness game on Sunday.
Originally launched by CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League during the 2014-15 season, Talk Today provides an opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across Canada.
“Through this program, over 1,850 OHL players and over 575 coaches, billets, and staff have received mental health and suicide prevention training across the league,” a press release stated.
The key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention. Each team is also linked to a CMHA mental health coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need.
“When it comes to mental illness, youth is a critical period: most people living with a mental illness see their symptoms begin before age 18. The Talk Today Mental Health awareness game with the Guelph Storm aims to combat stigma by starting a conversation around mental health and encouraging young people to seek help when they need it. We are thrilled to once again partner with the Storm on this initiative and raise awareness about mental health and the services offered at our new children and youth services building, and home of the Grove Youth Wellness Hub on Woolwich Street right here in Guelph.” said Chief Executive Officer, CMHA Waterloo Wellington.
“We are proud to be part of the Talk Today program, and the skills that our players are learning are ones they will carry for life. Mental health and suicide awareness are topics that we all need to talk about openly and candidly.” said Matt Newby, Vice President of Business Operations, Guelph Storm Hockey Club.
You can find more information here.
Huge thanks to @Storm_City @cmhaww @syngentacanada, & @GrainFarmers for its support in talking about mental health! https://t.co/9xIT2is8hj #TalkToday pic.twitter.com/qaCyRHQ7Z1
— CMHA WW (@CMHAWW) February 5, 2024
