Headstrong Youth Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Summit

We know youth are the future, and we are empowering them to end stigma and support one another!

On March 16, 2015, the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region, in partnership with the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Center and Calgary Inferno (Canadian Women’s Hockey League), held its first Headstrong Youth Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Summit. Headstrong is a youth initiative by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

The summit brought together over 200 students and teachers from Calgary high schools to learn about mental health, mental illness and stigma, while challenging common stereotypes and misconceptions. Students left with ideas for action and tools to create their own mental health awareness activities within their schools and communities.

The event was hosted by Calgary’s renowned blogger Mike Morrison (Mike’s Bloggity Blog) and featured keynote Sheldon Kennedy as well as a panel of individuals with lived experience. The panel included #CHHSLetsTalk youth leader Brett Rothery, Kaitlin Hrudy, Paige Furnival and Dheny Rivas.