Did you know 1.2 million youth in Canada are living with a mental illness? This school year, the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society is on a mission to address one of the most important topics affecting students: mental health. Our Stigma-Free Presentations make it easier than ever to normalize conversations about mental health through education and authentic storytelling – and they’re available to schools at no cost. 
Why Book a Stigma-Free Presentation?
Our presentations are carefully crafted to reduce stigma by sharing lived experiences. A presenter discusses their personal journey with stigma and mental health, while a co-presenter facilitates an interactive learning session with students to provide further education and tools for well-being. These one-hour presentations are packed with information, making them short enough to fit easily into your busy classroom schedule. We offer educators the flexibility to book either in-person or virtual presentations for your convenience.
We’ve already reached over 75,000 students across the nation, and we’ve seen firsthand the impact our presentations can have – especially for young people who are facing mental health challenges or know someone who is. That’s because each presenter’s lived experience leaves a lasting impression on students, and their authenticity makes their message resonate. Mental health education is essential, but combining it with personal storytelling can have an even more powerful impact in reducing stigma. It adds a human touch and depth of understanding that facts alone can’t provide.
Learn more about why sharing lived experiences is one of the most powerful tools in mental health and anti-stigma education.
Stigma-Free Presentations open up a much-needed conversation about mental health. We understand that many educators and school staff can feel uncertain or uncomfortable when broaching the topic of mental health, even though they know it is important for students to learn about. Our presentations kickstart these discussions for you in an environment that is informed and supportive. We also offer supplementary resources, including Lesson Plans and Educator Guides that school staff can use to continue the conversation if they choose to.
Meet Our Stigma-Free Presenters
We are proud to work with an amazing group of presenters who bring their unique perspectives into the classroom. Our presenters have diverse experiences and backgrounds, but they all share one common goal – to empower youth to challenge stigma and care for their mental well-being. Here’s a glimpse at the topics covered by our presenters:
- Coping with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety
- Building self-esteem
- The effects of bullying and how to prevent it
- How to reach out for help
And much more!
Learn about our presenters and their inspiring stories.
Ready to support mental health education at your school? Here’s how you can get started.
Educators & School Staff: Book a Stigma-Free Presentation now or contact us with any questions.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers: Help bring this valuable program to your child’s school by sharing it with their educators, school administrators, or Parent Teacher Association.
Through integrating lived experiences into the classroom, our goal is not only to teach students about mental health, but to help them become agents of positive change in their school communities. Educators, if you share this mission, we invite you to schedule a Stigma-Free Presentation completely free of charge.
Kick off the school year on a positive note: book a session today and provide your students with knowledge and support to help them flourish.
References
Canadian Mental Health Association. National Council of Persons with Lived Experience.
Mental Health Commission of Canada. Growing Together: Children and Youth.
Author: Monique Zizzo
