Students launch Bull S#!t Campaign today (photo)

Some Sault College students are partnering with Canadian Mental Health Association volunteers and staff to participate in a national campaign facilitated by Partners for Mental Health.

Titled the “Bull S#!t Campaign” or “Let’s Call BS Campaign," the initiative was developed by and for youth aged 15 to 24.

“The campaign objective is to mobilize thousands of Canadian youth to show support for mental health and call for changes to how it is treated, supported and funded,” says Leanne Murray, professor, social service worker, Sault College. “This is a great opportunity to connect youth to the issues and drive much-needed social change around mental health. Our students are really engaged and willing to assist in this campaign.”

During the campaign, youth across Canada will seek to rally thousands of their peers, a college news release notes.

The core actions of the campaign include a “call out” of common unacceptable practices that exist today.

Participants are being asked asked to rally friends and family to “sign” the declaration showing support for mental health and calling for changes to how it is treated.

Students will also organize a “Day of Action” at Sault College to encourage the public to learn more about the issues and get others involved in driving change.
 
“We need to declare Bull S#!t on the way society fails to support mental health,” say students involved in the campaign. “We can be the generation that changes the way we talk about mental health and support those who have a mental illness. We are proud to be a part of this worthwhile cause. We encourage all youth and adults in our community to support the campaign.”

It was launched today and runs until November 29 at Sault College.

For more information and to sign the declaration, visit here.

Seven million Canadians of all ages will experience a mental health problem during the next 12 months.

One in five young people (15 to 24) have a mental illness or substance abuse problem.

Seventy percent of those living with a mental illness say the onset occurred before age 18.

Five in six children diagnosed with a mental health problem or illness will not get treatment. 

Suicide is the second leading cause of death of Canadian youth.

PHOTO CAPTION: Dominique Robichaud and Amanda Parr, first-year social service worker students, assist Sault College students in signing the Declaration for Change.