Buddy Check for Jesse
SJAMHA is proud to partner with Hockey Manitoba on Buddy Check for Jesse week (January 24 to 30, 2022) to create mental health awareness in minor hockey.
Buddy Check for Jesse is a Canadian charity created in Victoria, BC by Dr. Stu Gershman in memory of his son, Jesse Short-Gershman.
Stu’s goal is to destigmatize mental health challenges and to empower and encourage youth and young adults to support one another. Stu believes that coaches are respected by their players thus are in a unique position to raise awareness about mental health issues. This initiative hopes players will feel comfortable to come forward, speak up and receive the help they need. This short video explains more about Buddy Check for Jesse.
SJAMHA is encouraging U13, U15, U18 coaches and players to use the green stick tape provided to teams (i.e., the color for mental health) to demonstrate their awareness, camaraderie and support of mental health. Also, coaches will be provided with resources to open gentle conversations about mental health and the importance of looking out for each other over this week (and throughout the hockey season) with their players.
To show your team or player’s support for mental health, please send pictures to communications@sjamha.com or SJAMHA’s Instagram account (@SJAMHA2020) for posting on SJAMHA’s social media platforms.
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