Beautiful Minds in Secondary Schools - An Education Program

Beautiful Minds in Secondary Schools is a program adapted from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health program “Talking About Mental Illness” – an awareness program proven to be effective in bringing about positive change in people’s knowledge of mental health, and in reducing stigma that surrounds mental health issues. The program provides education opportunities and resources for students, teachers, parents and the community.

The secondary school element of Beautiful Minds has four components for teachers to adapt to fit the needs of their classroom. The third component of the Beautiful Minds program consists of a presentation by a mental health facilitator and one or two individuals who have experienced a mental health issue and want to share their story to help others. This education program is designed to help teachers meet the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training’s Curriculum Guidelines both formally in health and physical education, social science and humanities classes and informally in English, math, science and art classes. A complete educational resource manual is provided to teachers with all the information and materials to deliver the program as well as plenty of additional information such as how to support students with mental health issues.

For information on our Beautiful Minds education program for teachers, click here .

During the presentation portion of the Beautiful Minds for Secondary Schools program, students are given a handbook that supplements the information presented. Students are also given the opportunity to collect brochures, pamphlets and materials from local organizations that provide them with contact information and information about mental health and related issues such as suicide, self-harm, shelters and gender issues.

For information on Beautiful Minds for students, click here .

Parents are encouraged to become involved by attending the Beautiful Minds for Secondary Schools presentations and also by attending our Parent Information Nights.

For information on Beautiful Minds for parents, click here .

Volunteers are recruited year round and are needed to present their personal stories about their experience with mental health and illness during the presentation component of the Beautiful Minds education program. On occasion we also have program support and classroom presentation facilitation opportunities for volunteers.

For information on Beautiful Minds for volunteers, click here .