HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Guardian Angels students join conversation about mental health

A bulletin board covered in positive messages became a literal conversation piece at Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School as students rallied on January 25 to show their support for Bell Let's Talk Day.

Bell Let's Talk is a year-round initiative focused on engaging Canadians to create positive change in mental health. Bell Let's Talk promotes awareness, acceptance and action with a strategy built on four key pillars: anti-stigma, care & access, research, and workplace leadership.

"Bell Let's Talk Day is a time to acknowledge that many students are struggling with challenging emotions in response to the realities of the pandemic and other events and impacts," says HWCDSB Mental Health Lead Michelle Hayes.

"It also provides another opportunity for our youth to hear messages that validate their varied and unique experiences and to be shown caring support."

Student messages included "It's ok to not be ok," "You got this" and "Be brave." Others encouraged students to "be a buddy, not a bully."

They're all part of overcoming the stigma, says Principal Peter Messina.

The annual Bell Let's Talk Day and awareness campaign has become the world's largest conversation about mental health, encouraging Canadians and people around the world to talk and take action to help reduce stigma and promote awareness and understanding so people can get the help they need.

Since the first Bell Let's Talk Day in 2011, more than 1,491,774,955 messages of support have been shared.