The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), in collaboration with Opening Minds, the training division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), recently announced the official launch of the FIRST LINE, an education and leadership program developed to strengthen NHLPA members’ mental health knowledge and skills.
About FIRST LINE:
The first of its kind in professional sports, FIRST LINE was developed specifically for NHL players by the NHLPA Health and Wellness team, Opening Minds, and the MHCC. This program stands as a testament to the commitment of both organizations to prioritize the mental health and well-being of NHL players.
Program Highlights:
- Knowledge Enhancement: FIRST LINE aims to increase awareness of common mental health issues like depression, anxiety, addiction, and self-harm.
- Peer Support Skills: Equipping NHLPA members with the necessary skills to offer peer-to-peer support within their community.
- Tackling Stigma: Providing education on mental health stigma and strategies to overcome it.
The First Line program builds upon Opening Minds’ The Working Mind Sports and is adapted to the specific requirements of the NHLPA.
Empowering Players:
The course is exclusively available to NHLPA members and facilitated by NHLPA Consulting Psychologist and former player Jay Harrison. Upon completion, players are better equipped to recognize and speak openly about their mental health status, use evidence-based techniques to build mental wellness resilience and seek additional support as needed. Players completing the program will receive a certificate of achievement from Opening Minds, symbolizing their shared commitment to fostering a supportive mental health environment.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the NHLPA on this vital initiative,” says Shane Silver, Vice President, MHCC Opening Minds. “This partnership celebrates a shared vision of promoting mental health in every aspect of our lives.”
This partnership goes beyond a program; it’s a celebration of a holistic approach to health and wellness. Together, Opening Minds and NHLPA are making a difference by championing mental health in professional sports. Stay connected with us as we continue to celebrate mental health advocacy in the sports community.
Interested in enrolling your sports organization in mental health training? Try The Working Mind Sports! Trusted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League, TWM Sports is an evidence-based mental health training program designed to address and promote mental health amongst athletes and coaches.
Need a more customized solution? Reach out to our team at solutions@openingminds.org and learn how we can create a tailor-made training program to address your unique needs.
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