She has watched her parents struggle for years to find services for her 12-year-old brother who has autism. So when her Grade 10 class sat down to brainstorm what issue was in the most pressing n
eed of greater awareness, Chelsey was first to speak. She pitched the idea of having Queen's Park officially declare a provincial mental health education day. "I see it all around me at school and at home," said Henderson, 16. "There are all kinds of students who are feeling stressed." The brainstorming session was part of a project in her civics class at Waterdown District Secondary School. The idea for it came from MPP Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale and Minister of Government and Consumer Services) who approached the school with the project that would teach students about governments and the inner workings of politics. Students put forward several ideas but a class-wide vote decided mental health was the most important issue. Teacher Nathan Tiddridge agreed with the students' decision. "It's an issue that's really been coming to the forefront lately and that deserves attention," said Tiddridge, adding he knows several students who are dealing with mental health problems. "It's becoming easier to talk about." Chelsey was pleased but not surprised her idea was so well received. "It doesn't get recognized the way it should so declaring a day would put it out there so people would learn about it." Hamilton Mountain MPP Sophia Aggelonitis has agreed to present a private member's bill in the fall to officially designate mental health education day.
eed of greater awareness, Chelsey was first to speak. She pitched the idea of having Queen's Park officially declare a provincial mental health education day. "I see it all around me at school and at home," said Henderson, 16. "There are all kinds of students who are feeling stressed." The brainstorming session was part of a project in her civics class at Waterdown District Secondary School. The idea for it came from MPP Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale and Minister of Government and Consumer Services) who approached the school with the project that would teach students about governments and the inner workings of politics. Students put forward several ideas but a class-wide vote decided mental health was the most important issue. Teacher Nathan Tiddridge agreed with the students' decision. "It's an issue that's really been coming to the forefront lately and that deserves attention," said Tiddridge, adding he knows several students who are dealing with mental health problems. "It's becoming easier to talk about." Chelsey was pleased but not surprised her idea was so well received. "It doesn't get recognized the way it should so declaring a day would put it out there so people would learn about it." Hamilton Mountain MPP Sophia Aggelonitis has agreed to present a private member's bill in the fall to officially designate mental health education day.
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