TMCnet News
Bell Let's Talk supports youth mental health programs in Northern Alberta
FORT MCMURRAY, AB, Jan. 16, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk today announced Community Fund grants for Fort McMurray Public School District and Unity Charity, as national spokesperson Clara Hughes and other members of the Bell Let's Talk team visited students at École McTavish Junior High Public School for a conversation about mental health. "We're so happy to be here to meet with the incredible students of École McTavish Junior High and other friends and partners here in Fort McMurray! We're talking about the ways we can help boost youth mental health here in Northern Alberta and everywhere in Canada, and some of the great local programs that are helping to lead the way," said Clara. "Canada and the whole world know what Fort McMurray and region have been through, and we also know the incredible resilience of the people here. I'm looking forward to learning a lot on our visit and to taking new ideas about mental health forward as we prepare for Bell Let's Talk Day on January 25." Clara is joined in Fort McMurray by Bell Let's Talk ambassador and singer/songwriter Séan McCann and program chair Mary Deacon, the first of 6 cities on the tour leading up to Bell Let's Talk Day 2017. "I believe music is strong medicine and that a song can save your life," said Séan McCann. "The strength and resiliency of the Fort McMurray community inspired me to write Proud (to be a Canadian) and I am delighted to be here today to meet with the young people of Fort McMurray." Fort McMurray Public Schools "Mental health has always been a focus at Fort McMurray Public Schools District, but now more than ever it is front and centre due to last year's wildfires. To have Clara, Séan and Mary speak about the impact of mental illness underlines the importance of what our students are doing with FRIENDS," said Shannon Noble, Associate Sperintendent, Inclusive Education. "We are delighted to receive this grant to support FRIENDS and really make a difference for our students here in Fort McMurray." Unity Charity "Unity is proud to partner with Bell Let's Talk for our Northern Alberta programs to help improve the mental well being of young people in the area," said Michael Prosserman, Executive Director and Founder of Unity Charity. "It's critical to provide creative and innovative outlets for young people to express their stress and the arts are the perfect tool to allow young people to feel they are part of a community." "These programs are innovative, evidence-based approaches to reaching young people and helping them deal with mental health issues in supportive environments," said Mary Deacon. "We applaud Fort McMurray Public Schools and Unity Charity for their engagement in the cause and their commitment to improving access to mental health support for young people across Northern Alberta." 2017 Bell Let's Talk Tour Fort McMurray - Today Iqaluit - January 18 Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue - January 19 Halifax - January 20 Ottawa - January 23 Kingston - January 24 Fort McMurray Public School District Unity Charity Bell Let's Talk Bell Let's Talk Day is January 25, when Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for every text message, mobile and long distance call made by Bell customers; every tweet and Instagram post using #BellLetsTalk; every view of the Bell Let's Talk Day video on Facebook; and every use of the Bell Let's Talk geofilter on Snapchat. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk Media contacts: Kiran Malik-Khan Rajni Sharma Jacqueline Michelis
SOURCE Bell Canada |