OTTAWA and GUELPH, ON, May 3, 2017 /CNW/ - With research indicating that 20 per cent of Canadian students suffer from a mental health illness and teachers face more stress than most other professionals, there is a need for more mental health resources in the classroom. To meet that need, Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada, along with Supporting Partner The Co-operators and program partners, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and University of Western – Centre For School Mental Health, is proud to announce the launch of Teach Resiliency.

TeachResiliency.ca is a public online portal offering teachers simple-to-use tools and strategies to assess resilience needs and access to resources to promote and enhance both teacher and student mental well-being. Teach Resiliency will feature more than 150 evidence-based mental health resources, 20+ videos and podcasts, tip sheets and more, covering a range of mental health matters to support teachers and their students.

"Through our research we identified a significant gap in education," said Brian Storey, PHE Canada president and CEO. "But this gap has provided an opportunity to make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of students and teachers across the country – and Teach Resiliency is a great first step in this effort."

Every day in Canada more than five million kids go to school, with statistics indicating that one in five suffer a mental health problem or illness - from anxiety and depression to severe emotional disorders and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. As such, a typical Canadian classroom can expect to have at least four children who need extra mental health support. At the front of these classes are teachers, who are contending with the stress of helping students who are struggling, while still managing all the other roles and responsibilities laid upon them as professional educators. Research shows that teachers experience burnout at a rate greater than that of the general public workforce.

"As a group benefits provider, we understand the challenges related to mental health in the workplace and are committed to being part of the solution," said Rob Wesseling, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "Teachers face tremendous pressure and responsibility. They are better able to support their students when their own well-being is taken care of. The Teach Resiliency program provides much-needed resources that will make a difference to teachers and students across 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. 

About the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.

CAMH is a dynamic and accessible source of quality education for a diverse community of learners. CAMH strives to enrich knowledge to improve the lives and well being of people affected by mental-health and substance-use problems. As a community partner, CAMH develops current and accessible education aimed at strengthening public understanding of mental health and addiction.

About Western University – Centre for School Mental Health
The Centre for School Mental Health (CSMH) at Western's Faculty of Education is a team of researchers, educators, students and administrators focused on the mental health, well-being and relationship development of children from Kindergarten to grade 12. The Centre addresses the need for improved promotion, prevention and intervention services for children who may be at risk for, or who present with, mental health challenges. Outcomes and learning from nationally funded research projects deliver evidence-based programs and training for educators in schools and communities. With an average annual funding of $1.5M, the Centre conducts research and program delivery nationwide. Systemic changes have resulted through realized impact at local levels and best practices have been adopted internationally.

SOURCE The Co-operators