Working together to help athletes thrive
Talk Today is a mental health education program designed to help athletes and their supporters learn about mental health and to help support players who may be struggling or at risk of suicide. One of the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada, Talk Today is delivered across BC through partnerships with the BC Hockey League (BCHL) and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). By building relationships between BCHL and CHL teams and local CMHA branches, we aim to help athletes connect with the mental health supports and resources they need to thrive. Talk Today consists of several components:
- Mental Health Navigators A local CMHA liaison helps connect players to community supports and works with their local teams to promote mental health awareness in their community
- Bounce Back for Youth This effective skills-based CMHA program is available to help players who are experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression or anxiety
- Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Training for Players and Supporters CMHA offers each team Mental Health and Addictions 101 presentations and safeTALK suicide prevention training, as well as safeTALK training for general managers, coaches, referees, parents, and others who support players.
- Talk Today Community Events Each team hosts a Talk Today event at one of their games to show their support for mental health and raise funds for CMHA mental health programs in their community