Elizabeth Manley has been Canada's pride as an Olympic figure skater, but it's her role as a mental-health-awareness advocate that will also be in the spotlight Jan. 24 in the second annual Bell Let's Talk Day event in Port Hope.
A project of Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation and its Community Mental Health Services, the visit will take place at 7 p.m. onstage at the Capitol Theatre.
Manley came back from depression to win her Olympic medal. At the Capitol, she will share her touching story of the numerous obstacles she overcame on her road to international success, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make it to the top. She will also speak with honesty about the importance of mental health, the journey to wellness and helping honour.
“What an honour to have Elizabeth Manley come to our community to share her experience of living under the watchful eye of the public and shed a light on the mental pressures of it all,” event co-sponsor Lynn Hardy said in the press release.
Another highlight of the evening is Photovoice, an art installation by NHH Community Mental Health Services clients. These photographs and their accompanying text offer a raw and powerful look into local lived experiences with mental-health issues with the aim of dispelling the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Their creators will be on hand for the showcase (and their work will be for sale).
NHH Mental Health, Community Programs and Services Integrated Director Jennifer Cox said she was very excited to be a partner in Mental Health Matters once again.
“Raising awareness of the importance and commonality amongst mental health is extremely important, as we try to end the stigma associated with it,” Cox commented.
The event is made possible in part by donations to the NHH Foundation in honour of Tyler Garrett, the Capitol Theatre and Lynn Hardy of RBC Wealth Management. It is a free event, but pre-registration is encouraged – tickets are available at www.nhhfoundation.ca under the Events tab.
