Isles, CMHA working together

The Charlottetown Islanders and the Canadian Mental Health Association Prince Edward Island (CMHA PEI) are teaming up to raise awareness about mental health at tonight’s home game versus the Saint John Sea Dogs.

At the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League contest there will be a CMHA kiosk with information about mental health, videos featuring the Islanders players talking about the importance of mental health and public address announcements about mental health.

The campaign is part of the commitment by the Islanders and CMHA PEI to implement Talk Today, designed to provide mental health support to players and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention throughout QMJHL communities.

Jim Hulton, Islanders general manager and head coach, said the more people talk about the issue, the more help can be accessed.

“Our continued partnership with CMHA via the Talk Today program and other ventures has proven to be an invaluable element of our program. As we learn more about the scope and depth of mental health issues, we realize how important it is to have the support of trained professionals to help guide us through our challenges,” Hulton said. “Having the ability to talk, openly and honestly, in a non-judgmental environment about our thoughts and emotions has helped alleviate the stigma that may have previously existed in our room. We trust and value our relationship with CMHA and look forward to continuing to work together in our efforts to educate others on the importance of talking and seeking help when faced with life’s many challenges.”

A key piece of the Talk Today program is to encourage conversation about mental health and suicide prevention. Every QMJHL team has received mental health training specific to suicide prevention and each team is linked to a CMHA mental health coach, who provides support and mental health resources to individuals in need.

“The program has had a very positive impact on these young men who often face many challenges including being away from home and the people they are closest to. The training encourages them to reach out if they need help and to promote that message to the community around them including their young fans,” said Amanda Brazil, CMHA PEI programs and policy director.”

Tickets available at the Eastlink Centre box office at 902-6296625. Game time is 7 p.m.

More about Talk Today at http://pei.cmha.ca/talk-today/