Mental health crisis in Outaouais: feds fund new program
Tashi Farmilo
In a decisive move to enhance youth mental health support, the Government of Canada has committed $450,000 to Table Éducation Outaouais (TÉO) for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at elementary school students in Quebec's Outaouais region. This funding is part of a broader $100 million investment dedicated to mental health and illness prevention, particularly for populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Announced by Minister Steven MacKinnon on behalf of the Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the funding underscores the government's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by youth, especially those encountering systemic barriers.
The spotlight of this initiative is "Simply Me/Simplement Moi," a program designed to foster positive body image, enhance self-esteem, and reduce bullying among students aged 10 to 12. The project includes a series of activities aimed at mitigating the internalization of harmful media messages, discouraging unhealthy weight control practices, and boosting self-efficacy.
The genesis of Simply Me/Simplement Moi can be traced back to a critical need identified within schools for programs that promote body positivity and self-esteem. Jeanie Pinard-Duhaime, director of Table Éducation Outaouais, and Mylène Dault, co-author of the program from Les Ateliers Silhouette, created this initiative in collaboration with Annie Aimé, a professor at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. Their vision was to fill a significant gap in resources available in French for fostering healthy body image and combating bullying.
Pinard-Duhaime and Dault emphasised the program's holistic approach, which not only involves schools but also engages parents. By providing workshops and guides, the program ensures that its principles are reinforced at home, creating a comprehensive support system for children's mental health.
Initial feedback from educators and students has been overwhelmingly positive. The program has already started to transform how teachers address body image and self-esteem in the classroom. It promotes an inclusive environment where students learn to appreciate diversity and develop a healthy self-image, with long-lasting benefits for their overall well-being.
Looking ahead, Pinard-Duhaime and Dault are focused on expanding the program to reach more schools and communities, including those in rural areas. They plan to continue developing resources and training for educators to ensure the program's seamless integration into existing curriculums. Additionally, they aim to secure further funding to extend the project's duration and impact, with hopes of making Simply Me/Simplement Moi a permanent fixture in the educational landscape of Quebec.
Photo caption: From left to right: Christian Laforest, Annick Massie, Mylène Dault, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Sophie Châtel, Jeanie Pinard-Duhaime, and Steve Brabant.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Table Éducation Outaouais