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Teaming up with the Mississauga Steelheads and the Ontario Hockey League
Jul 22, 2016
CMHA Ontario and the Ontario Hockey League to launch Talk Today, an exciting new mental health initiative
Canadian Mental Health Association- Peel Branch (CMHA Peel) is proud to be a part of an exciting new initiative called Talk Today. Talk Today is a province-wide program developed and delivered in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and its local clubs, CMHA Ontario and our branch.
Talk Today has been designed for the league and its players and is aimed at raising awareness about suicide and promoting the mental health of young athletes.
CMHA Peel will work directly with Mississauga Steelheads to deliver the following key components of Talk Today:
CMHA Mental Health Coaches
CMHA Peel has designated a Mental Health Coach that is directly tied to a local team. This individual will provide information and resources to the players as well as the people that surround them. CMHA Peel’s Mental Health Coach is Karyn Hand, Manager, Mental Health Promotion.
If a player is in need of support or if they observe a teammate in need of support, they can contact the CMHA Mental Health Coach. The coach will help provide referrals to mental health and addictions services and supports available with CMHA Peel or other organizations in the community. The CMHA Mental Health Coach will also help with referrals to mental health crisis intervention services, if necessary.
safeTALK Training for Players
CMHA Peel will provide this accredited training program to all players on the Mississauga Steelheads to help the athletes be alert to persons with thoughts of suicide and teach them how to take appropriate action.
Evidence has shown that this training teaches individuals to look beyond the tendencies that cause people miss, dismiss or avoid the subject of suicide; identify people who have thoughts of suicide; and learn how to connect a person who has thoughts of suicide to a caregiver for intervention.
ASIST training for the Players Support Network
CMHA Peel will provide or facilitate this accredited training for individuals such as coaches, team staff or parents who provide support to the players on the Mississauga Steelheads. The training teaches people how to recognize individuals who are at risk and intervene to prevent the risk of suicidal thoughts becoming suicidal behaviors.
The key to suicide prevention are trained caregivers who are ready, willing and able to get involved with each individual at risk. By offering this training, CMHA Peel is helping establish that vital support network.
OHL Mental Health Champions
In recognition of the tremendous leadership roles that members of each franchise already play within their local communities, the clubs each name an OHL Mental Health Champion. For the Steelheads, the Mental Health Champion is Binne Brouwer, the team’s Head Athletic Therapist.
Mr. Brouwer will act as a resource on mental health issues and help players connect with their CMHA Mental Health Coach. Mental Health Champions will also help promote suicide awareness and mental health within their communities.
Local Talk Today Events
Each OHL team plays a key role in their community and supports various causes each season through creative and effective public relations events. In keeping with idea, discussions are underway to determine how CMHA Peel and the Mississauga Steelheads can host annual Talk Today events to increase public awareness about suicide and promote mental health.
“The OHL and Mississauga Steelheads are showing tremendous leadership by raising awareness about the serious issues of mental health and suicide,” says David Smith, CEO, CMHA Peel. “I am very excited about this partnership and the opportunities for the future. We are proud to partner with the Mississauga Steelheads to develop and deliver Talk Today”
“The Talk Today initiative with the Canadian Mental Health Association is another step toward ensuring the health and safety of our players, as well as, helping CMHA Peel to spread important messages throughout our community,” says James Boyd, Steelheads Head Coach and General Manager. “We look forward to our partnership with CMHA Peel throughout this hockey season and beyond.”