Fans can show their support by posting their pictures via social media with the hashtag #HockeyTalks. Jets players will also wear Hockey Talks/Project 11 dry-fit shirts starting on Jan. 2 until Jan. 31. Player-worn Hockey Talks/Project 11 shirts will be sold at the Jan. 31 game. Jets players also worked with Project 11 students to share their mental wellness perspective with videos to promote #HockeyTalks. These videos will be shared online through the month of January. The players that participated in this year's campaign are Laurent Brossoit, Nikolaj Ehlers, Connor Hellebuyck, Bryan Little, Mathieu Perreault, Neal Pionk, Tucker Poolman, and Blake Wheeler.
This year the Jets will also host various mental health organizations during home games starting on Jan. 2 and continuing throughout the month of January to bring further awareness about mental health resources available in Manitoba:
Thursday, Jan. 2 - Winnipeg Jets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Sara Riel - 100-level
Sunday, Jan. 12 - Winnipeg Jets vs. Nashville Predators
Robyn Priest - 100-level
Anxiety Disorders of Manitoba - 100-level
Klinic - 300-level
Tuesday, Jan. 14 - Winnipeg Jets vs. Vancouver Canucks
Inspire - 100-level
Mood Disorders Manitoba - 100-level
Canadian Mental Health Association - 300-level
Friday, Jan. 17 - Winnipeg Jets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Art Beat Studio - 100-level
Youth Hub NorWest Co-op - 300-level
Friday, Jan. 31 - Winnipeg Jets vs. Boston Bruins
True North Youth Foundation's Project 11 - 100-level & 300-level
To learn more about how the True North Youth Foundation works to provide mental health education and resources for youth, please visit
www.projecteleven.ca
MENTAL WELLNESS
According to mental health experts, on average, one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness in their lifetime; 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.
These statistics were compiled from information available through the following websites: Mental Health Commission of Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
