Featured Partner Resource: HIGH FIVE® Impact

HIGH FIVE has released a new study in celebration of the 2016 National Child Day and 15 years of positive experiences for kids called The Impact of Quality: Benefits of HIGH FIVE to Organizations and Communities.

The HIGH FIVE Impact Summary Report highlights the benefits of the HIGH FIVE Standard for organizations, families and communities.

Key findings show that using HIGH FIVE results in:

  • Improved children’s experiences
  • Increased customer satisfaction
  • Strengthened credibility and reputation of organizations

New Partnership Brings Mental Health to the Front of the Class

Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) and The Co-operators are proud to announce a new partnership that will support mental health literacy and improve well-being in school communities across Canada. Teach Resiliency is an online portal and community of practice offering teachers tools and strategies to assess resilience needs and resources to promote and enhance teacher and student mental health. 

Research indicates approximately 20 per cent of Canadian students are suffering from a mental health illness and, in comparison to the general workforce, almost twice as many Ontario teachers feel stressed all the time (Canadian Psychiatric association, 2012; Koller & Bertel, 2006; Ontario College of Teachers, 2006; Jamieson, 2006). Teach Resiliency is a response to recent research and a 2014 study released by PHE Canada that identified gaps and needs of teachers in supporting positive mental health for themselves and their students.
 
Mental health is a priority focus for The Co-operators, the Presenting Partner of the Teach Resiliency program.
 
“One in five Canadians will live with mental illness, and all too often it is misunderstood. As a society we can, and must, do better,” said Rob Wesseling, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “Teach Resiliency will provide valuable resources to better equip both teachers and students to prevent, recognize and address mental health challenges.”
 
Teach Resiliency is a PHE Canada initiative, being developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Western University – Centre for School Mental Health, and is set to launch in May, 2017.
 
“Teach Resiliency is a unique initiative supporting the mental health and well-being of students and teachers alike. We are thrilled to partner with The Co-operators whose support will allow for the continued evolution of the program and impact in school communities across the country,” said Brian Storey, President and CEO of PHE Canada.

New Asthma Pals Program for Kids

Asthma Society of Canada

New Asthma Pals Program for Kids

The Asthma Society of Canada (ASC) is proud to announce the Asthma Pals Mentorship Program. Developed by the University of Alberta in 2008, and following positive feedback for this program, ASC is excited to launch this support service for children with asthma across Canada.

Asthma Society of Canada - Asthma Pals Mentorship Program

The Asthma Pals Mentorship Program includes eight weekly, online social support meetings. All meetings take place over the internet, using safe and secure online meeting tools. Under the supervision of Jenna Reynolds, Director of Programs and Services, at the Asthma Society of Canada, the sessions are led by experienced peer mentors living with asthma.

The program mentors help create an inclusive and positive space for children to address any concerns, stigmas, or questions about their chronic condition. They never provide medical information. Instead, they guide the conversation, with the objective of increasing your child’s sense of belonging and confidence which can be carried through into their everyday lives.

Signing Up:
The Spring Session will run every Monday at 7PM EST from April 24 to June 19, 2017 (skipping May 22). Registration is now open with spaces being filled on a first-come first-serve basis.

Nature and Why It’s Essential For Kids’ Brains

From the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, CHEO Research Institute:

An information sheet on the importance of nature for kids' brains has been published on eMentalHealth.ca. HALO Project Manager Dr. Casey Gray and summer students Sheniz Eryuzlu and Laura Callender were involved in the content development of this handout. 
Despite all the advances made in modern society, many of today’s children and youth seem to struggle with physical and mental health problems.

The good news is that there is a single intervention that can help our children’s physical, mental and spiritual health all at the same time: spontaneous, unstructured outdoor play. There are many things we can do to help get our kids outside so that they can do what kids used to do — and be happier and healthier for it.
Click here to read or download the information sheet.