Mental health awareness will be front and center on Friday london nights Take on the Spirit in Saginaw Ontario Hockey League 2023 Talk Today game in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
launched by CMHA In partnership with the OHL in 2014, the Talk Today program provides mental health support to players, coaches, billets, staff and family members, and teaches league members about mental health and suicide prevention through educational workshops. Is.
According to League websiteThe Talk Today program is mandatory and “works closely with the OHL’s other league programs in areas including drug awareness, health and safety education, respect for women.”
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As part of the programme, a Talk Today game is organized every year in support of the CMHA. This year, the game is being played in London, with proceeds from the 50/50 draw going to support CMHA Middlesex.
“It needs to be a good sport to raise awareness and promote mental health and we want to make sure we can encourage that conversation,” said Michelle Phillips, from CMHA Middlesex.
“I think the more conversations we have about mental health, the more we can break down the stigma that exists in our communities, but also encourage people to not only check in with themselves and see how they are doing, but also check with those around them.
The league says the workshops “teach the importance of recognizing the signs of suicide, and how to seek help or connect with others for resources.”
The services of a mental health coach are also provided throughout the year to help team members with their own mental health.
Friday’s game marks exactly a month after the hockey community was rocked by the sudden death of player Abkar Kazbekov after falling from a condo tower in downtown London on December 17, 2022.
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Phillips said a recent poll by the Mental Health Commission of Canada found that nearly half of Canadians reported that their mental health had declined significantly since the start of the pandemic.
According to CMHA statistics, one in four Ontarians have sought mental health support since the start of Ontarianism. COVID-19 Epidemic.
“I think it’s been a really challenging last few years across all sectors and regions … It’s kind of a consistent message, that people are having a tough time, and they’re starting to have more of these conversations.” Have been,” Phillips said.
This season’s Talk Today event is being sponsored by Syngenta Canada and the Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Friday’s match between London and Saginaw will begin at 7 p.m. at Budweiser Gardens.
— With files from Greg Davis and Mike Stubbs
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