OTTAWA, Feb. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) and The Co-operators are proud to announce a new partnership that will support mental health literacy and improve well-being in school communities across Canada. Teach Resiliency is an online portal and community of practice offering teachers tools and strategies to assess resilience needs and resources to promote and enhance teacher and student mental health.  

Research indicates approximately 20 per cent of Canadian students are suffering from a mental health illness and, in comparison to the general workforce, almost twice as many Ontario teachers feel stressed all the time (Canadian Psychiatric association, 2012; Koller & Bertel, 2006; Ontario College of Teachers, 2006; Jamieson, 2006). Teach Resiliency is a response to recent research and a 2014 study released by PHE Canada that identified gaps and needs of teachers in supporting positive mental health for themselves and their students.

Mental health is a priority focus for The Co-operators, the Presenting Partner of the Teach Resiliency program.

"One in five Canadians will live with mental illness, and all too often it is misunderstood. As a society we can, and must, do better," said Rob Wesseling, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "Teach Resiliency will provide valuable resources to better equip both teachers and students to prevent, recognize and address mental health challenges."

Teach Resiliency is a PHE Canada initiative, being developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Western University – Centre for School Mental Health, and is set to launch in May, 2017.

"Teach Resiliency is a unique initiative supporting the mental health and well-being of students and teachers alike. We are thrilled to partner with The Co-operators whose support will allow for the continued evolution of the program and impact in school communities across the country," said Brian Storey, President and CEO of PHE Canada.

About Physical and Health Education Canada
PHE Canada is a recognized leader and vital contributor in fostering achievement and health among Canadian children and youth. We advocate for and advance quality health and physical education opportunities in school-communities and increase awareness of the relationship between health and education and the importance of learning environments that focus on an inclusive, whole child approach. We envision a future wherein all children and youth in Canada are living healthy, physically active lives. For more information, please visit www.phecanada.ca.

About The Co-operators
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian co-operative with more than $44 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. It is ranked #3 on Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada list, included among the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine, and the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca. 

SOURCE The Co-operators