#HockeyTalks is a national public awareness campaign for the NHL teams designed to encourage conversations about mental health and share support and information from leading experts in the hopes of alleviating some of the misconceptions and stigma associated with mental illness. Fans can show their support for the initiative by creating and downloading a Hockey Talks frame and then posting their picture via social media with the hashtag #HockeyTalks.
The Jets will focus their 2023 #HockeyTalks campaign from January 3 to 30, sharing information, stories and resources through digital platforms. The work and resources of local mental health organizations will be highlighted through the team's social channels, including the important mental wellness messages of the True North Youth Foundation's (TNYF) Project 11 - a bilingual cross-curricular mental health awareness program currently available to all Manitoba teachers in grade K to 8 classrooms and which will fully launch to grade 9 to 12 classrooms beginning this fall.
Players have lent their voices to the initiative and their wellness tips and coping strategies will be shared through conversations with Project 11 students. They will further show their support with #HockeyTalks helmet decals worn for games during the two-week campaign.
The team will again raise funds for Project 11, this year with #HockeyTalks hoodies, which will go on sale January 15 at can.givergy.com/HockeyTalks. One set of player-worn hoodies will also be auctioned through the same site after the January 15 #HockeyTalks game. Stay tuned to the Jets' social channels for more information on the auction closer to January 15.
For more information on Project 11, visit ProjectEleven.ca. To access P11's vast collection of resources including player Hockey Talks videos, motivational videos, Mindful Moments, be sure to go to ProjectEleven.ca/RESOURCES and to check out Project 11's Check-In podcast episodes visit Podcast - Project 11. For a comprehensive list of Manitoba community health and support services organizations and their contact information, please click HERE.
The Winnipeg Jets are proud to partner with Bell for the Jan. 15 #HockeyTalks game to engage even more people in the mental wellness conversation in conjunction with Bell Let's Talk Day. For more information on Bell Let's Talk Day, visit letstalk.bell.ca.
According to mental health experts, on average one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness in their lifetimes; thereby affecting indirectly many more Canadians through a family member, friend or colleague. Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community. Approximately 70 percent of mental health problems and illnesses have their onset during childhood or adolescence. Identifying the signs early and getting connected to tools and support is the most important way to prevent problems from becoming worse. Mental health problems and illnesses can be treated effectively.
Want to learn more? DOWNLOAD the Mental Health Resource Guide HERE.
