Ring A Bell campaign highlights resilience in youth mental health

The Ring A Bell campaign is marking its 15th year in New Brunswick, with a focus on resilience as a key part of mental health.

The campaign runs from December 8 to 12 and is coordinated by Dots NB, Partners for Youth and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

“Resilience and mental health go hand in hand,” Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson said in a government release.

She said resilience helps children and youth navigate challenges and changes, and that learning to fail and struggle is part of becoming more independent.

Students from kindergarten through Grade 8 will participate in activities and receive resources to support wellness during their formative years.

Partners for Youth is encouraging schools to submit videos, poems, or songs that show how they support mental wellness.

The New Brunswick Youth Council will select one submission from each school district, with winners receiving $200 for mental health activities.

“This year’s theme of cultivating resilience speaks to the need for the government and the community to come together to support and engage children and youth who are struggling,” said John Sharpe, executive director of Partners for Youth.

He said offering timely and long-term support is a key goal.

The provincial bell-ringing ceremony, which symbolizes breaking the silence around mental health, will take place on December 11 at Chief Harold Sappier Elementary School in the Wolastoqey community of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation).

Partners for Youth has also shared educational resources and lesson plans for teachers online.

The provincial government said providing students with meaningful learning and life experiences to support good physical and mental health is part of its 10-year education plans.

People seeking help can call the provincial Addiction and Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-355-5550.