SASKATOON — An interactive computer gaming program created and programmed by Saskatchewan youth with lived mental health orders was one of the recipients of the Council of the Federation Award for Innovation Mental Health and Addictions Care.
Canada’s premiers on Tuesday, Oct. 18, announced the winners of the COF awards for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care from the 10 provinces and three territories of the country.
The award is presented in each province and territory for innovative initiatives that positively impact mental health and addiction care, the award recognizes individuals and organizations excelling in the field.
CMHA’s Saskatchewan division developed the Mentally Safe Minecraft Server (MS²) that considers things that are both meaningful and what triggers them. MS² is an interactive computer gaming program that combats cyberbullying and its impact on mental health.
CMHA-SK Youth coaches, mental health workers around the province’s branches, youth peer supporters and other volunteers will monitor the chat areas, which allow youth players to ask questions confidentially on mental health issues and where and how to access services.
There are also Saskatchewan helplines added in the in-game and in addition, there is a space for virtual groups to convene and learn about mental health tools.
A mental health tip appears on the corner of the MS² screen every 10 minutes, and there are creative events to celebrate Mental Health Week and challenge players' creativity.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson congratulated all recipients of the award on behalf of all her fellow premiers for their diligent and innovative work in the field of mental health and addiction care.
"It is critical that we continue to have open conversations on mental health and how to best support the many Canadians who are impacted by mental health challenges,” said Stefanson, who is the COF chair.
Each award recipient will receive a certificate, signed by the premier of their province or territory, as well as a $5,000 prize to advance the awarded initiative and foster further innovation.
The COF comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables them to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.
The other winners were Kainai Wellness Centre’s Day Treatment Health and Addictions Program (Blood Tribe Department of Health) in Alberta, British Columbia’s Cherokee Bent, KIDTHINK Children's Mental Health Centre Inc. in Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador’s St. John's Status of Women Council Managed Alcohol Program, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Tele-Counselling for Family Caregivers (Dr. Pamela Durepos, Nicole Cormier and Chandra MacBean) in New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories’ Supporting Wellbeing, Strongest Families Institute Companion App in Nova Scotia, Nunavut’s Mary Ugyuk, The Path Home-LOFT (Leap of Faith Together) Community Service in Ontario, Peer Support Program, Canadian Mental Health Association Prince Edward Island Division, Équipe-toi: accompagne un proche en santé mentale in Québec and Yukon’s Chris Spencer.
