More than 120 high school students are expected to gather on top of Grouse Mountain on Saturday to talk about the challenges and the stigma associated with mental illness.
Organized by Northshore Youth for Mental Health, the third annual Talk at the Top event will bring together students in grades 8 to 12 from Deep Cove to Whistler for a full day of activities. Participants will hear personal testimonials from their peers, participate in open and facilitated dialogue and listen to guest speakers. The day will also include outdoor activities and a musical performance by Canadian pop/rock singer and songwriter Suzie McNeil.
"One of our primary goals of NSY4MH and Talk at the Top is to empower youth to be heard in our community, ensuring their voice leads to action, including initiatives that reduce stigma," said Deborah Maguire, co- founder and creative director of NSY4MH, in a press release. "This is not simply an awareness campaign, but action-based. These teens want to see community initiatives implemented that better support youth-based mental health."
Maguire is the driving force behind Talk at the Top, which was formed in 2013 when a group of high school students created a leadership event on Grouse Mountain to encourage youth in the community to open up about mental illness. The group is made up of youth who have dealt with personal mental health issues as well as allies. Olympians Clara Hughes and Simon Whitfield were in attendance at the inaugural event.
Student leaders, supported by their individual school, are currently in the process of signing up interested youth to join this year's Talk at the Top event. Visit nsy4mh.com for more information.
