Maroons putting focus on mental health
The Mental Health Table is excited to bring the Face Off for Mental Health program to Chatham-Kent, an initiative dedicated to creating safe spaces for young athletes both on and off the ice.
To kickstart the program and get the conversation started, the Mental Health Table has partnered with the Chatham Jr. Maroons to host a special hockey game on Sunday, January 19, 7 p.m, at Memorial Arena in Chatham.
One in five youth will struggle with their mental health? After the Covid 19 pandemic, that number has risen to more like one in three. In hockey terms, that’s at least one player on each line, a coach, many parents, and a significant percentage of the fans. The Mental Health Table wants to address these staggering statistics, and with the Chatham Jr. Maroons as role models and ambassadors, they’re helping to break the stigma around mental health in sports and beyond.
This partnership builds on last year’s collaboration, where the Mental Health Table worked with the Maroons to promote the BeSafe app, a tool designed to connect youth to local mental health resources quickly and easily. The campaign included a compelling commercial featuring key messages like “It’s okay not to be okay” and “Your mental health is as important as your physical health.”
The January 19 game against the St.Thomas Stars will feature activities designed to raise awareness and foster community engagement:
▪ Jersey Auction: Unique green jerseys worn during warm-ups by the Maroons will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Face Off for Mental Health program
▪ Moment of Silence: A powerful tribute to those affected by anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and many other mental health challenges.
▪ Mental Health Pledge Wall: Show your support by adding your name to our Menal Health Pledge Wall, where fans, players, and community members can commit to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Write a message of support and encouragement to those who are struggling.
▪ Green Ribbons for Awareness: Wear your support with pride! Green ribbons, the universal symbol for mental health awareness, will be available to attendees to help spark conversations and promote solidarity. Pick up your green ribbon at the box office.
“The Chatham Jr. Maroons are incredible role models for younger athletes and are helping to
lead the charge in breaking the stigma around mental health,” said Cathy DeBresser Knowler, chair of the Mental Health Table. “By launching the Face Off for Mental Health program with the Maroons, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations and empower players, families, and coaches to recognize the signs of struggle and know where to find help.”
Join in on January 19 th as we Face Off against stigma and champion a brighter, healthier future
for everyone in Chatham-Kent. Together, we can create a community where mental health is
just as important as physical health.
A thank you goes out to all of the sponsors, who have proven that they are not only supportive of our community, but of youth mental health as well. Without their generous support, this program would not have the impact it has on our young athletes. Simply Vinyl Signs and Graphics, Sal & Son, Chatham Jr. Maroons, TD, RBC, Ridge Landfill Community Trust and Rotary Club of Chatham.