Manitoba students talk with Winnipeg Jets players about mental health [Video]

True North Youth Foundation’s Project 11 is marking its 11th anniversary—helping kids throughout the province have conversations focused on mental health.

The program was started in honour of Rick Rypien, who played with the Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Jets and passed away in 2011.

The curriculum is available in schools throughout the province and helps students from kindergarten all the way to grade 12.

“Our hope in developing the program was truly to normalize the conversation around mental health and teach students different coping strategies,” said Suzi Friesen, the director of educational programs for the youth foundation. “We know that obstacles are inevitable in everyone’s life, and we really wanted to help empower both teachers and students with some great skills that will help them along their life journey.”

Marking the 11th anniversary, this is the first year the curriculum is available in high schools. Friesen said they have always …