Let’s Talk

Multi-visit program designed to help intermediate age youth develop and maintain good mental health, while decreasing stigma surrounding mental illness and its treatment.  Minimum presentation of two, but typically Let’s Talk is an 8-visit program covering topics such as: mental health awareness, resource awareness, goal setting, values, relationships, coping with stress, etc.   

Goals & Objectives: 

• Assist in the development and maintenance of good mental health. 
• Decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness and its treatment. 

Is This Program for Me? 

• You are a teacher or administrator of youth from 11-20 years of age (junior, intermediate, and high school classrooms). 

What We Offer: 

The FIRST VISIT of the “Let’s Talk” program includes: 

• A survey of students’ awareness and attitudes about mental health & mental illness 
• Mental illness – what is it, what are the symptoms, what are the “stigmas” – Attention Phys. Ed. Teachers! This part of the program is a power point presentation of information compiled from the “Mental Health and High School Curriculum Guide” – which can be used for the Grade 11 Health curriculum! 

The SECOND VISIT of the “Let’s Talk” program may include: 

• Interactive activities to practice good coping strategies 
• The personal story of youth(s) who have experienced Mental Illness firsthand, including what it was like when the symptoms of mental illness first developed, when and where they went for help and how they are currently managing 
• An informal discussion forum where students will get to discuss issues they are facing, their views about the mental health system, and how the system could better meet their needs 

Each “Let’s Talk” visit is approximately 75 minutes in length and is best held a maximum of a week apart.  To “encourage” discussion, peanut-free snacks are often provided during the presentations. 

Let’s Talk can also be offered as a monthly 8-visit program in intermediate classrooms.  Additional topics include relationships, goal setting, the wheel of well-being, and youth-friendly resource information.  

How Do I Get Connected? 

To book a presentation, please contact Jackie Ralph, Youth Awareness and Education Supervisor, by telephone at 519-371-3642 (Toll-Free at 1-888-451-2642) ext. 1216 or by email at [email protected].  

Let’s Talk presentations are primarily available in local classrooms.  However, the Let’s Talk program is available to private schools, homeschooling groups, summer camps, etc.   

Is There a Cost for This Program? 

There is no set fee for this program, however, donations to the Youth Awareness and Education programs in care of “CMHA Grey Bruce” are always gratefully appreciated. 

Locations:  

Bruce and Grey Counties