This funding is part of a commitment of $100 million to support the mental health of
those most affected by COVID-19.
GATINEAU, QC, May 13, 2024
/CNW/ - By making strategic investments to help address the
specific challenges faced by youth, particularly those who face
disproportionate barriers because of systemic racism,
discrimination, socio economic status or social exclusion, the
Government of Canada will ensure
that all people in Canada get the
mental health and substance use supports they need, when and where
they need them.
Today, Minister Steven MacKinnon
on behalf of the Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health
and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced
$450,000 in funding for Table
Éducation Outaouais to support the mental health of
elementary school students in Québec's Outaouais region.
With this funding, the Simply me/Simplement Moi project
aims to promote positive body image, build self-esteem and reduce
bullying among students ages 10 to 12 who attend elementary schools
in the Outaouais region. It also includes activities aimed at
reducing internalization of harmful media messages, reducing
unhealthy weight control methods and improving self-efficacy.
This announcement is part of a $100
million investment provided in Budget 2021 to support
projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in
populations disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,
including youth.
Quotes
"As students transition to secondary school, they navigate a
landscape where societal pressures and media influences can
profoundly shape their self-image and mental well-being.
Recognizing the challenges they may face, the Simply
me/Simplement Moi project is dedicated to supporting youth
mental health during this transitional time. The project aims to
nurture healthy attitudes towards body image, elevate self-esteem,
and address the issue of bullying."
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of
Health
"Our youth encounter many pressures that can harm their
self-esteem and mental health. That's why initiatives like
Simply Me/Simplement Moi are so valuable; they equip
students with tools to build self-esteem, embrace a positive
body image, and combat bullying. I look forward to seeing the
positive ripple effect in our communities."
The Honourable Steven Mackinnon
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of
Parliament for Gatineau,
Quebec
"It's important our youth feel supported as they transition to
secondary school. The Simply Me/Simplement Moi project
plays a crucial role in this journey, offering resources and
guidance to foster healthy attitudes towards self-esteem and body
image. By promoting tools to improve mental health, we can help our
youth address bullying and build the resilience needed to thrive in
today's digital world."
Sophie Chatel
Member of Parliament for Pontiac,
Quebec
"By empowering our youth to cultivate a positive self-image and
stand up against bullying through school-based initiatives like
Simply Me/Simplement Moi, we are investing in a brighter
future for our communities."
Stéphane Lauzon
Member of Parliament for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, Quebec
"A project that places mental health and self-esteem at the
heart of its actions promises a future of success and well-being
for the students at the end of their elementary school cycle who
benefit from this Simplement Moi/Simply me pilot project. With this
initiative, the Table Éducation Outaouais hopes to rise above the
challenges of body image and self-acceptance, so that every child
can look in the mirror and see the reflection of a unique being
capable of great things."
Steve Brabant
President, Table Éducation Outaouais
"Knowing that appearance-related bullying is frequently observed
in elementary schools, and that school and teaching staff play a
key role in helping young people become more tolerant of body
diversity, it seemed essential to have a program that addressed
both body image and appearance-related bullying. This program had
to be adapted to the reality of schools, and be easy to implement
and adopt. That's what the Simplement Moi/Simply Me program
developed with Table Éducation Outaouais is all about!"
Annie Aimé, Professor at the Department of Psychoeducation and
Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais and co-author of the
Simply Me project
Quick Facts
- Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention are
critical components for well-being and can help reduce demands on
the health care system. Community-based projects focussed on mental
health promotion have the potential to improve health outcomes over
the life course.
- Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 with e-mental health service
offering free, confidential support to young people in English and
French.
- The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all
Indigenous Peoples across Canada
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the toll-free Help Line at
1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
- 9-8-8, Canada's three-digit
suicide crisis helpline, is available to call or text, in English
and French, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, across
Canada.
Associated Links
- Table Éducation Outaouais
- Mental Health and Wellness (Government of Canada website)
- Budget 2021
- Get Help | 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada