MARKHAM, ON, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Kinark Child and Family Services is launching 'Rise Against Stigma', an online campaign to recognize Children's Mental Health Week, May 6-12, 2013.
The anti-stigma campaign asks youth, parents, and members of the community to sign our online pledge to support children and youth with mental health issues. This campaign aims to send a message to kids that it is important to ask for help and it is equally important for them to support their classmates with mental health issues, and that making fun of them is never acceptable.
By signing the pledge, it not only helps to remove the stigma of mental health, it shows kids that they are safe to reach out for help.
The pledge consists of three simple promises:
To sign the pledge visit www.kinark.on.ca or www.facebook.com/kinark.
In addition to the pledge, Kinark has created 'Rise Against Stigma' videos, featuring the real-life stories of two former Kinark Youth, Jacob and Jessica, who have struggled to overcome childhood depression and bullying. Each video provides tips on how to fulfill the promises in everyday life. These videos can be viewed on our website at www.kinark.on.ca.
"There is a wide spectrum of mental health issues that our kids are facing, from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and schizophrenia. Left untreated, these issues can lead to problems in school, at home, and in the community," says Peter Moore, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kinark Child and Family Services.
Children's Mental Health Week is designed to raise awareness and continue the conversation about mental health.
Rise Against Stigma!
Sign Our Pledge!
or
About Kinark Child and Family Services
Kinark Child and Family Services is the largest children's mental health organization in Ontario, providing expert help to children and youth, their families and communities. Kinark offers everything from parenting advice to help for children and youth with chronic and multiple mental health issues, provides intensive treatment and support to youth in conflict with the law and provides an extensive range of programs for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Image with caption: "Rise Against Stigma (CNW Group/Kinark Child and Family Services)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130503_C3550_PHOTO_EN_26332.jpg
Image with caption: "Rise Against Stigma! Sign Our Pledge (CNW Group/Kinark Child and Family Services)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130503_C3550_PHOTO_EN_26331.jpg
SOURCE: Kinark Child and Family Services
For more information or to interview please contact:
Anne Rappé
Director of Communications
647-638-3981
[email protected]
Share this article