Although the season is on “pause”, the Melville Millionaires continue to keep active in assisting players. One December 15, The Canadian Mental Heath Association (Regina) hosted an introductory Zoom meeting to introduce the Talk Today program. The program is offered throughout Canada and provides young athletes an outlet to to group and individual discussions.
The current pandemic has created some challenges in implementing the program, but plans are being made to have Shannon Patton and her staff to build relationships with in person and zoom communications.
Talk Today
Talk Today is one of the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada. Its aim is to promote the mental health of young athletes and to spread awareness about the benefits of positive mental health throughout communities across the country.
Originally launched by CMHA Ontario Division in partnership with the OHL in 2014, Talk Today provides an important opportunity to address the mental health needs of athletes across the province and across Canada. This program has become a valuable platform for CMHA branches, teams and individual players to encourage open discussion about mental health within the hockey community and the broader public.
How Talk Today helps
Mental Health Training for Players and Support Staff
All participants receive training in safeTALK, an accredited program that teaches individuals to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and how to take action. Coaches, team staff and parents who provide support to the players can also receive safeTALK, as well as ASIST, a training which teaches people how to recognize individuals who are at risk and intervene to prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Mental Health Coach
Each team has a designated CMHA Mental Health Coach to provide resources and supports for the players as well as the people that surround them.
Mental Health Champion
Each team has a local Mental Health Champion, who acts as an advocate on mental health issues within the community and helps players connect with their local CMHA Mental Health Coach.
Talk Today Community Events
Each team hosts a Talk Today community event at one home game to show its support for mental health and raise awareness about CMHA mental health programs in the community.
