Mental Health Week and Children's Mental Health Week 2021
Mental Health Week and is Children’s Mental Health Week are May 3-9, 2021. The theme this year is #GetReal - Understanding Our Emotions. As we know, this has been an incredibly difficult year and for many, symptoms of pain and anxiety are intense. However, research demonstrates that when we try to ignore or distract ourselves from unpleasant feelings, they tend to heighten. Instead, by understanding and naming our feelings, sadness, anger and pain can feel less intense.
Please see the attached letter to KPR families for links to helpful mental health resources. In particular, please note that, given the overwhelming interest in this week’s virtual workshop on Parenting Resilient Kids, we have added a second session on May 13. To register for this free session, please visit https://bit.ly/3tngrZ1 or click on the link in the attached letter.
KPR’s Professional Services team has put together a “Mental Health Quilt” that is easy to use in a virtual format, with resources for students of all ages. Each square in the quilt will link you to one of our favourite mental health or Social Emotional Learning (SEL) resources.
In addition, here are some helpful links to more resources:
Free Online Mental Health Workshop
Due to the overwhelming interest in this week’s virtual workshop on Parenting Resilient Kids, we have added a second session on Thursday, May 13, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. To register for this free session, please visit https://bit.ly/3tngrZ The goal of the interactive online presentation is to explore the signs of stress and to encourage healthy coping skills.
Mental Health Services and Supports for the Black Community
Black Mental Health Week was March 1-7, 2021.
We would like to provide our KPR community with information about Bill 178, Black Mental Health Day Act, 2020, as well as several important resources to support student learning and engagement about anti-Black Racism and Mental Health.There are a number of excellent Mental Health services and supports providing equitable, culturally sensitive therapeutic support to the Black Community.
https://blackwomeninmotion.org/
Black Women in Motion is a Toronto-based, youth-led organization that empowers and supports the advancement of Black women and survivors of sexual violence.
An online therapy service that offers a diverse range of services, approaches and modalities catered to client needs and preferences. Services operate in an anti-oppressive, anti-racist framework, are culturally, spiritually and linguistically appropriate, and therapists are racially diverse.
The Black Youth Helpline focuses on community development and support for Black youth across Canada. Its mission is the primary prevention of social [and] psychological breakdown in communities through a focus on education, health and community development.”
Its mission is to provide accessible, culturally affirming, affordable, evidence-based mental health services to the Black community through education, advocacy, and provision of resources.
https://www.acrossboundaries.ca/
Across Boundaries provides equitable, holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities in the GTA. It provides a range of mental health services within Anti-Racism/Anti-Black racism and Anti-Oppression frameworks, which address the negative impact of racism and discrimination on mental health and well-being.
Mental Health Resources to Support Students through COVID-19
Supporting Children & Teens worried about COVID-19
Supporting Student Mental Health during COVID-19
School Mental Health Ontario site for supporting student mental health.
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
2020 Parent Conference presentation Drop the Worry Ball is for parents and guardians of children and teens
A new student self-care tip sheet, Self-Care 101, has also been created that may be helpful for our older students (JR, Int, SR).
https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Self-Care-101.pdf
Please visit the School Mental Health Ontario website for more resources and updates about supporting mental health during the COVID19 pandemic.
https://smho-smso.ca/blog/how-to-support-student-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
We’ve partnered with @jackdotorg and @KidsHelpPhone to create an online hub of COVID-19 mental health resources to help students take care of their mental health and look out for one another. Please share. It’s more essential now than ever. jack.org/covid
Mental Health Resources to Support Families through COVID-19
Toolbox activities are for kindergarten and primary students
French Version - Nos enfants et le stress
Everyday mental health is for primary, junior, intermediate students
French version - Des activités pour la santé mentale au quotidien
Be Well toolbox for Teens is for intermediate and senior students