Helping the public as well as players, coaches and staff to cope with mental illness is a serious part of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League mandate.
The League’s Second Annual Showcase recently held in Sudbury an event that helped raise more than $5,000 for Canadian Mental Health Association for the Sudbury and Manitoulin area, which also takes in Espanola and the North Shore, says association CEO, Marion Quigley.
The league puts a spotlight on mental health during the tournament.
Those in attendance were able to learn more about the importance of mental wellness and the local services that are available should an individual or their families be suffering.
Nearly 500 players, coaches, parents and staff have received safeTALK training over the last two years, an accredited training program that teaches individuals how to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and to connect them with supports in their community.