Maritime Junior Hockey League Logo. Photo (MHL)
Starting immediately all MHL franchises will participate in the Talk Today mental health and suicide prevention program.
Talk Today, according to the MHL is one of the most comprehensive mental health programs and since it’s 2014 start it has been adopted by many schools, universities and minor sports associations.
Communications Directory for the MHL, James Faulkner says he doesn’t think hockey players face more or less mental health issues than others but they do face unique challenges.
“A lot of the players are young and are moving away from home for the first time so they don’t have the same support system they’re used to. Then you add it to the pressures of playing competitive sports.”
Talk Today has four key components teams will participate in.
- Mandatory evidence-based mental health and suicide awareness workshops for athletes that enable them to not only recognize when a teammate, classmate, friend or family member may be struggling, but gives them tools to speak openly about suicide and assist in getting individuals support.
- A designated CMHA Mental Health Coach is connected to each MHL team so that they can help in case someone with the club is struggling or seeking mental health information or services.
- MHL clubs will host Talk Today game days with related social media activities to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health and addictions issues.
- A club Mental Health Champion who works with CMHA personnel to help implement the training and awareness activities.
The program is being funded by an NHL program aimed at improving the global hockey community called the NHL Foundation.
