Charlottetown’s major junior players take part in Talk Today

“CMHA-P.E.I., the Islanders coaches, staff and ownership recognize that the players’ mental well-being is just as important as their physical well-being. This program is one way to encourage individuals to loosen the grip of stigma and normalize the need to speak about and care for their mental health.’’ Amanda Brazil

Players with the Charlottetown Islanders major junior hockey team have successfully completed safe TALK training.

A key component in the league’s new mental health education program, Talk Today, Safe TALK sees players and a representation of coaches, staff and owners receive training through a workshop that teachers individuals the importance of talking about mental health, how to acknowledge signs of suicide, seeking help when they’re in need of support and connecting with others in need of support to suicide first aid resources.

Talk Today is a mental health education program designed for QMJHL players and team staff to help identify and deal with mental health issues. The partnership was formed between the QMJHL and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

“Each and every one of us has been impacted or know someone who has been impacted by mental health challenges at some point in their lives and our athletes are no different,’’ said Jim Hulton, general manager and head coach of the Islanders.

Amanda Brazil, director of programs and policy with the P.E.I. division of the CMHA, said it’s a great partnership.

“These young players have a lot of pressure on them,’’ Brazil said. “CMHA-P.E.I., the Islanders coaches, staff and ownership recognize that the players’ mental well-being is just as important as their physical well-being. This program is one way to encourage individuals to loosen the grip of stigma and normalize the need to speak about and care for their mental health.’’

The Talk Today program is one of, if not, the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada. It consists of several components, including mental health and suicide awareness workshops and Talk Today community awareness events at QMJHL games.

A CMHA mental health coach will serve as a liaison for the team and be available to provide mental health resources, provide referrals to community mental health and addictions support or mental health crisis intervention services.