The Coaching Association of Canada launches its National Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub
The hub aims to improve the mental health literacy of coaches at all levels of sport to reach communities across Canada hardest hit by COVID-19
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Ottawa, ON, February 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
The Coaching Association of Canada launches its
National Center for Mental Health and Sport Resources
The hub aims to improve the mental health literacy of coaches at all levels of sport to reach communities across Canada hardest hit by COVID-19
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It has been shown that between 40% and 48% of children and young people experienced mental health problems during the pandemic1. Research has also shown that children and young people with mental health problems tend not to seek formal help. It is therefore crucial to identify potential avenues to support them.
The launch of the Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub is part of a larger project funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to reach communities across Canada, including those in remote areas, indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. As part of this project, the CAC has updated and expanded the mental health content in existing NCCP and CAC modules and will offer the CAC Mental Health in Sport e-learning module in an additional seven (7) languages: Arabic, Punjabi, Chinese, Tagalog, Cree, Inuktitut and Dene. The CAC also trains NCCP learning facilitators across the country to deploy the updated modules in their communities.
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As participants return to the sport across Canada, coaches have a crucial role to play. Her influence, observation and personal connection when working with athletes places her in a crucial role in supporting those who are struggling with poor mental health as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although well placed to help the children and young people they coach deal with mental health issues, many coaches do not feel they have the knowledge or confidence to do so. The creation of the National Mental Health and Sport Hub aims to fill this gap and improve the mental health literacy of coaches, with a focus on both self-care and support for their sport participants. The Hub is a powerhouse of free, easily accessible resources encompassing rich content, information, training modules, research, data, infographics, videos and activities provided by organizations with expertise in mental health literacy and education. This dynamic platform is regularly updated with new resources to maintain relevance and expand the content available.
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Speaking of the launch, Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer of the Coaching Association of Canada said, “At the CAC we recognize the positive impact that physical activity combined with a sense of belonging can have on participants’ mental health. We also recognize the unique position coaches can take as a source of support and guidance for those who need it, particularly in remote communities where resources and services may be limited.”
“As a national organization, we can help empower trainers across the country by providing accessible resources to better support themselves and participants. Coaches can influence and normalize conversations about mental health. We invite everyone to visit the Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub and contribute.” Lafrenière added.
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Supported by partnerships with over 500 sports organizations at all levels across Canada, the CAC is uniquely positioned through its network, capacity and expertise to advance and provide mental health awareness and literacy training. This project will engage hundreds of thousands of citizens in the communities they live in, including coaches, teachers and community sports leaders; the children, youth and adults they coach, teach and guide; and the wider community. Through this 360-degree national mental health and sport project, we strive to positively impact the sporting community and play an important role in Canada’s continued growth and success as a sporting nation.
The following coaches and athletes are available for media interviews related to this project:
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- Aaron Grainge, Fitness and Wellness Liaison, Morale and Welfare Services, Canadian Forces (Barrie, ON)
- Bev Priestman, Head Coach, Women’s National Soccer Team (Vancouver, BC)
- Breanne Nicholas, Women’s National 7s Captain (Victoria, BC, Hometown: Chatham, ON)
- Damian Warner, decathlete and Olympic champion (London, ON)
- Major Isabelle Turner, veteran runner, triathlete and Battery Commander, 128 Battery 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), Royal Canadian Artillery (Oromocto, NB)
- Jack Hanratty, Head Coach, Canada Women’s Rugby 7s Team (Victoria, BC)
- Jean-François Ménard, Mental Performance Coach and Author (Montreal, QC)
- Jillian Officer, Olympic Curler and High Performance Director for Curl Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB)
- Max Parrot, three-time Olympic medalist, slopestyle (Montreal, QC)
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- Molly Carlson, Team Canada High Diver and creator of the #BraveGang community, focused on bravery, self-love and body positivity. (Montreal, Canada)
- Reme Osorio, futsal coach (Waterloo, ON)
- Robin McKeever, Head Coach of the Canada Olympic Cross-Country Team and former coach of the award-winning Canada Para-Nordic Team (Canmore, AB)
- Rhys McAlpine, skating coach representing Saskatchewan for the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program at the 2023 Canadian Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. (Ochapowace First Nation, SK)
- Saad Bin Zafar, Canadian cricket world record holder (Brampton, ON)
- dr Sharon Anne Firth, Gwich’in Olympian and cross-country legend (Canmore AB, hometown: Yellowknife, NT)
- Shiv Jagday, the head coach behind Field Hockey Canada’s first Pan American Games gold medal and induction into the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame (Coquitlam, BC)
- Steve Leknois, Men’s Volleyball Coach at RMC and a proud 22-year Canadian Forces Veteran (Kingston, ON)
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Mental Health, Sport and COVID-19 Task Force Members:
- dr Natalie Durand-Bush, Representative for the Canadian Center for Mental Health and Sport
- Jennifer Misurelli PhD (c), Representative for the Canadian Center for Mental Health and Sport
- Krista Van Slingerland, Game Board Representative
- Nicole Clarke, representative of school sports in Canada
- Burcin Peterson, representative of the children’s support line
- Chesare (Ches) Cardinal, representative of the Aboriginal Sports Association
- Francis Boyer, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services Representative
- Karl Manzi Bicamumpaka, representative of the Black Canadian Coaches Association (BCCA).
- Gabriel Kim, Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representative (PTCR)
- Amanda Miles, Coach representative
- Christina Kouvousis, Coach representative
- John Michael On, coaching representative
- Coralie Vittecoq, athlete representative
- Laura G. Farres, subject matter expert
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- Erin Hall, subject matter expert
- Steve Jett, subject matter expert
- Marika Warner, representative of the community organization
- Tagalik Eccles, representative of the community organization
About the Coaching Association of Canada:
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact:
Arushi G Phillips
Manager, Communications and Public Relations – Special Project
647.967.3272
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