Canadian Youth Leading the Conversation During Mental Health Awareness Week

Jack.org delivering more than 65 Jack Talks at High Schools From BC to PEI to Nunavut
Book your Free Jack Talk by May 31^st at Jack.org

TORONTO, May 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, as we kick-off Mental Health Awareness Week in Canada, 40 youth from Jack.org, the only Canadian charity training and empowering a network of young leaders who are revolutionizing mental health, are gearing up to deliver more than 65 Jack Talks at high schools across Canada --- reaching over 15,000 students.  Jack Talks are peer-to-peer presentations led by professionally trained young speakers, using the power of personal stories to inspire, engage, educate, and equip young people to take care of themselves, their peers, and to take action in their community. To book a free Jack Talk at your school, please visit. Jack.org by May 31^st.

This important initiative aims to ensure that every young person in Canada understands what mental health is, how to recognize if they or their peers are struggling, that they're comfortable asking for the help they need, and that each of them gets the help they deserve.  Jack.org has 95 trained speakers who will deliver 250 talks by the end of the 2017/2018 school year, directly reaching more than 45,000 Canadian youth.

"One of the most powerful ways our young leaders are affecting change is through Jack Talks, talking is the catalyst to change,"  said Eric Windeler, Founder & Executive Director, Jack.org. "Mental Health Awareness Week provides us the opportunity to amplify the work of Jack.org's young leaders happening all year across Canada. It's important that these conversations happen this week, but more vital that they continue every day to ensure we provide young people in Canada with the mental health support they need and deserve."

"I became a Jack Talks speaker because I wanted to use my story to let young people know that it's ok to talk about what you're going through and that everyone struggles with their mental health sometimes," said Alexandra San Diego, Jack Talks Speaker, Edmonton, Alberta. "As part of Mental Health Awareness Week I'll be delivering 9 Jack Talks at schools in the Edmonton area. It's so meaningful to have the opportunity to educate and equip youth in my community to take care of themselves and each other."

Jack Talks are available in all provinces and territories in Canada and can be scheduled throughout the year.  To book a Jack Talk for your school or organization, please visit Jack.org.

About jack.org 
Jack.org is the only Canadian charity that trains and empowers young leaders who are revolutionizing mental health. Through Jack Talks, Jack Chapters and Jack Summits, young leaders identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health in their communities. Jack.org is working towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other. A Canada without shame, and where all those that need support, get the help they deserve.

SOURCE Jack.org

For more information or to speak with someone from Jack.org, please contact: Jill Kenney, Fresh Public Relations, [email protected], 778.837.1122