This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day had a powerful theme: “Taking a moment for mental health.” Responding directly to a targeted call for projects from Bell, Youth in Mind Foundation held an impactful prevention activity at Des Sources high school in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Montreal.
The objective was clear: to equip young people with concrete tools for integrating wellness breaks into their busy lives. To accomplish this goal, the Foundation held an inspiring panel in the school’s agora.
Charles Hamelin: Inspiration from an Olympic champion
One of the event’s highlights was the panel, featuring Foundation leaders and special guest Charles Hamelin, a ten-time Olympic medallist (4 gold) in speed skating.
Hamelin, who is well known for his work in support of youth, shared his personal experience with managing stress and pressure, and underlined the importance of making time for “wellness moments” to support your mental health.
In front of an audience of around 150 students, panellists discussed practical techniques:
- The importance of having good self-management tools;
- Breathing strategies;
- Knowing what support resources are available.
A school event with expansive reach
Because the Foundation wanted to reach as many young people as possible, we livestreamed the entire event on our social media platforms. This enabled students from other schools, parents, and education professionals to benefit from the panel discussions and help spread the Foundation’s prevention message.
Throughout the month of January, all high schools in Quebec were encouraged to send us a photo or video of an activity that prioritized mental health. Participating schools were automatically entered in a draw for a $1,500 grant, donated by Bell, to support the implementation of a wellness initiative at their school.
“We’re proud of our successful collaboration with Bell Let’s Talk Day and Des Sources high school,” said Mélanie Boucher, President and CEO of Youth in Mind Foundation. “By teaming up with an inspirational figure like Charles Hamelin, we’re showing young people that, even for elite performers, taking a moment for mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a requirement for achieving success and happiness.”
We’d like to extend our warmest thanks to Des Sources high school for opening their doors to us and being so welcoming. Thanks also to the students for their active listening during the event, and to school staff across the province for getting involved.
The schools selected to receive a $1,500 grant for the creation of a mental health initiative are:
- École secondaire des Sources (the host school for the event)
- École secondaire la Courvilloise
- École Marcelle Mallet
- École secondaire de Bromptonville
- École Pointe Lévy
- École polyvalente-Armand-Saint-Onge
