Nottawasaga OPP launch mental health awareness campaign

NEWS RELEASE
NOTTAWASAGA OPP
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The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is determined to take every step possible to help our citizens, our communities and those who are impacted by mental health issues.

A public awareness campaign will be launched tomorrow on Monday, Nov. 27, and run until Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, to better inform our community members of resources available to them. Our goal is to increase awareness and reduce stigma and barriers that prevent people from accessing services.

The Nottawasaga OPP is committed to improving its response to the mental health needs of individuals within the communities we serve. When it comes to mental health, every organization, community and individual is affected in one way or another.

The reasons are personal and not always known. We recognize that there is stigma associated with mental illness. Although we don't have all the answers, we will continue to work together to break down the barriers and provide support.

In an effort to educate our community members and encourage those who may benefit from the services available within our Detachment area, the public awareness campaign will primarily take place on our social media accounts. Some of the topics will include:

• Overview of Nottawasaga OPP's Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)
• Nottawasaga OPP's partnership with York Support Services Network (YSSN);
• Overview of Nottawasaga OPP's involvement with situation tables, working groups, dedicated youth mental health initiatives, with a highlight of our Community Safety Officers and School Resources Officers;
• Local services and resources for those who are suffering from a mental health illness, including youth-specific resources;
• Local services and resources for caregivers and those who are supporting someone suffering from a mental health illness;
• Stigma reduction; and
• Breaking Down Barriers: Suicide Awareness and Information on the Simcoe County Suicide Awareness Council.

The Nottawasaga OPP is upholding its commitment to the Ontario Mobilization and Engagement Model of Community Policing by using a collaborative approach to disseminate this public awareness campaign.

Partnering with community organizations will help reach those directly impacted by mental health illness, and those who are caregivers or persons supporting someone affected by mental health issues.

Our aim is to provide local resources to our community members, in the hopes of increasing awareness. For more information, please follow along on our social media platforms, in addition to daily media releases.

"We are thankful for all our community partners for their involvement and active participation in this public awareness campaign," said Inspector Steve Ridout, Detachment Commander, Nottawasaga OPP. 

"We welcome the opportunity to work together in an effort to raise awareness about issues surrounding mental illness, and to provide our community with local resources available to them. Together, we can make a difference and break down barriers."

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