Partners for Life, a Tour of the Province's Schools - Thousands of Youth to Speak About Mental Health

MONTREAL, Oct. 4, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, the Mental Illness Foundation is proud to be launching the 2012-2013 tour of its Partners for Life program, that aims to raise youth awareness on problems related to mental health. For its 15^th consecutive year, this Foundation initiative will reach more than 50,000 students in over 300 schools across Quebec.

Established in 1998, the program has always remained pertinent: it is estimated that more than 70% of the youth that suffer from depression are not diagnosed and do not receive the appropriate treatment. While depression remains one of the leading causes of suicides and dropping out of school, the efforts made by the program's animators have been instrumental in improving the quality of life of thousands of youth. Dynamic and highly involved, these young animators take an active role in changing perceptions. "I joined the Partners for Life program because I wanted take an active role in the change. I want to make a difference and share a message of hope across the province of Quebec," said Maryève Lamothe, Animator.

Since the program was launched, the Mental Illness Foundation has noted a real change in attitudes toward mental health. "The results of our work in schools show us that we are having a significant impact on youth. The program encourages students in distress to seek help from resources close to them and from guidance counsellors at their schools; following Partners for Life presentations, there has been positive feedback about an increase in students' requests for help in schools. Therein we find the key to program's success: first and foremost, our goal is to promote information and prevention," concluded Jean-Luc Taschereau, President of the Mental Illness Foundation.

"Moi j'en parle…" A Benefit Concert for the Mental Illness Foundation and its youth program Partners for Life

On October 9, the eve of World Mental Health Day, the Mental Illness Foundation invites you to mark your calendars for its Benefit Concert, "Moi j'en parle…" taking place at Place des Arts' Théâtre Maisonneuve, with the young Montrealer and internationally renowned pianist, Marika Bournaki. Directed by Denis Bouchard, this soirée aims to raise funds for the Partners for Life program. Ms. Bournaki will be accompanied by young musicians from Joseph-François-Perrault High School and will be joined on the stage by singer Ariane Moffatt for a special song.

About the Mental Illness Foundation

Founded in 1980 by Dr. Yves Lamontagne, the Mental Illness Foundation's mission is to prevent mental illness in order to reduce the suffering of afflicted people and their loved ones by mobilizing individuals and society as a whole. For more information on the Foundation, mental illness and available resources, please visit the Foundation's website at www.mentalillnessfoundation.org.

SOURCE: MENTAL ILLNESS FOUNDATION

& INTERVIEWS:
Sophie Barbeau
Communication Advisor, Mental Illness Foundation
[email protected] 
514 529-5354, ext. 229
Cell: 514 652-3467