More than 280 players across the Maritime Junior Hockey League will benefit from mental health awareness and suicide-prevention training this season through a new partnership between Canadian Mental Health Associations throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
With support from the NHL Foundation, this new partnership will see CMHA’s Talk Today program made available to all 12 teams in the MHL.
Talk Today is one of the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada. It was created in 2014 and is now offered by more than 50 CMHAs nationwide.
“From the demands of schooling to the pressures of elite competition and high performance, there are many factors that can affect the well-being of MHL athletes, and it’s important to us that they know there’s support available,” MHL president Steve Dykeman said in a news release. “Through this partnership with CMHA, we’re making mental health education and awareness a priority for our athletes and the communities in which they play.”
Talk Today has four key elements, including mandatory evidence-based mental health and suicide awareness workshops for athletes that enable them to not only recognize when a teammate, classmate, friend or family member may be struggling, but gives them tools to speak openly about suicide and assist in getting individuals support.
A designated CMHA Mental Health Coach is connected to each MHL team so that they can help in case someone with the club is struggling or seeking mental health information or services.
MHL clubs will host Talk Today game days with related social media activities to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health and addictions issues.
A club Mental Health Champion who works with CMHA personnel will help implement the training and awareness activities.
The launch in the MHL is the first phase of a broader partnership between the Canadian Junior Hockey League, its member leagues, and local and provincial CMHAs across Canada.
This year, nearly 1,000 players on almost 50 teams across four leagues (MHL, Central Canada Hockey League, Manitoba Junior Hockey League and Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League) will benefit from Talk Today.
The CJHL and CMHAs will work toward supporting the remaining leagues within the Canadian Junior Hockey League with Talk Today over the next two years.
Since 2014, Talk Today has created mental health conversations and reduced stigma in dressing rooms, hockey rinks and communities across Canada.
“We’ve seen the impact of Talk Today and how it can help reduce stigma and normalize conversations about mental health around the rink and in the community,” CMHA Nova Scotia executive director Pamela Magee. “Mental health should no longer be a taboo subject in sports and the expansion of Talk Today across the MHL will help raise awareness and provide resources to players who need it.”
John Sanful, manager of the NHL Foundation, said his organization recognizes the positive impact and long-term value Talk Today has provided the hockey community through other development leagues and it’s pleased to have a role in bringing the initiative to teams in the CJHL.
“We strive to create positive change by investing in initiatives that build healthy and vibrant communities through hockey, and we’re pleased to support a program that provides valuable life skills for players which they can use beyond their playing careers,” said Sanful.
