Helping students remember their story matters
Resiliency, mental health and connection are the focus of a youth symposium in the city over the next couple of days.
Tyler Smith, Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor and founder of Not Alone Co., a mental health awareness clothing line, is speaking to students at four schools.
“That’s something that kind of has kept me going is when someone comes and tells their story after,” he says. Smith adds it’s hard because he realizes they’re struggling, but, it also creates space for that person.
“Hopefully every time I do go up there, especially kids, that space feels created where they can open up, they can share their story and take those steps to share their story in real time,” says Smith.
He says a critical element of fulfilment and joy is resilience, adding we probably don’t celebrate ourselves enough and how everyone has been resilient over the past couple of years.
“I think there are rebound effects ever since COVID still, and I think it’s just giving people that opportunity to remember that their story matters too,” he says.
The North Bay Police Service is hosting the symposium, in partnership with local schools.
Police Chief Daryl Longworth says Smith is a great fit, noting mental health is a concern in the community, in general, and he brings an opportunity to have a conversation with youth.
“There’s dark times but there’s hope and there’s always a way through,” says Longworth. “I think hearing the stories that Tyler will be able to explore with them will give them that hope and permission that it’s okay to put your hand up and ask for help when you talk to people.”
Smith, who won season nine of The Amazing Race Canada, is dropping the puck at Tuesday’s Jack Lyons Memorial hockey event.
Teams at Chippewa and West Ferris Secondary School, the North Bay North Stars, North Bay Battalion, North Bay Police Service and North Bay Police Association are all involved.
The exhibition is honouring the legacy of Jack Lyons and his family’s advocacy for children with Autism, while celebrating inclusion, community spirit, and accessible programming for children and youth with special needs.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
