College launches mental health video series thanks to Niwa family

Launching the video series is a well-known leader in the world of sport.

Willie Desjardins, GM and head coach of the Medicine Hat Tigers, talks about the role that coaches, educators, and parents play in empowering others to cope with adversity.

“I don’t know if a lot of people know this but Willie has a master’s in social work and a degree in education,” MHC Director of Community Engagement Jennifer Kerslake said. “So not only does he have a beautiful journey of coaching on multiple different levels, but he also is a very intelligent, educated man around these topics. So his video is specifically around mental health and sport and how as leaders in the sports community, you can just pay attention to the children that you coach.”

Kerslake says more videos will be released every two weeks until the end of June and the initiative is meant for the whole community.

The online series will touch on a variety of mental health topics, everything from trauma, ADHD, and family.

The project is spearheaded by a community advisory committee which includes the college, Medicine Hat Public School Division, Prairie Rose Public Schools, Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, and Medicine Hat Police.

Kerslake says the videos feature notable people from our community who we know and can relate to.

“That was the whole intent, is really to have grassroots professionals within our region who are familiar faces. Who are hopefully a comfort factor to our community who is viewing these videos to feel like they can see them in the grocery store and connect with them if they need. Or access their services after they watch a video if they feel that they have a need, or just to reach out if they have any questions. That was really intentional.

The next video is about eating disorders and the impact eating disorders can play on one’s mental health, which will be released in two weeks.

Medicine Hat Police Insp. Brent Secondiak will also be featured in a video in the spring, along with physicians, psychologists, and the women’s shelter.

For the link to the latest video with Willie Desjardins visit MHC’s YouTube page.

by Chantal Wagner

College launches mental health video series thanks to Niwa family

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