NEWS RELEASE
HYDRO ONE
**************************
Today, Hydro One and Jack.org announced a free mental health discussion for educators and adults to help identify the signs of struggle in young people and access support.
At a time when more than one third of Canadians know a child or young person who is suffering from mental health problems as a result of the pandemic, the live-streamed Jack Talk on April 27, 2022 will provide strategies for fostering safe environments and encouraging healthy discussions about mental health.
“With the demand for mental health services increasing steadily in Ontario, Jack.org is committed to helping every young person feel comfortable talking about and taking care of their mental health,” said Eric Windeler, Founder & Executive Director, Jack.org. “It is critical that youth have the education and support they need, and we’re thrilled to have Hydro One’s support in this mission.”
“We are proud to work alongside Jack.org in breaking down barriers to get young people the mental health support they need,” said Lyla Garzouzi, Chief Safety Officer, Hydro One. “By taking part in a virtual Jack Talk, we can all learn how to better support young people, team members and friends dealing with mental health struggles. These resources are critical to building safe communities across the province."
Educators and adults are invited to attend the free Jack Talk, How to Be There for Young People, on April 27, 2022 at 7 p.m. ET. The talk will be hosted by trained youth speaker and mental health advocate, Hannah Laird, Jack.org’s Teacher Engagement Lead, Carla Sutton and Jack.org’s Ontario Program Coordinator, Alexandra Harris-Lowe.
Through its partnership with Hydro One, Jack.org will host more than 200 live-streamed and recorded virtual Jack Talks in Ontario this year, reaching approximately 17,500 people across the province and breaking down barriers to mental health resources and education.
Jack.org was founded by Eric Windeler and Sandra Hanington in 2010, after they lost their son to suicide. Eric and Sandra started Jack.org to engage youth in the most critical health issue of their generation, and to ensure that they are able to identify mental health struggles in themselves and others and have access to the support they need.
Registration for the Jack Talk on April 27, 2022 is now open and can be found at: www.hydroone.com/jackorg.
**************************
