Canada's recent Mental Health week inspires a collaborative initiative to promote the mental health and well-being of Teens by empowering them through interactive, multi-platform programs
TORONTO, July 7, 2015 /CNW/ - Canamedia, an independent production company, is producing the first-of-its-kind interactive, multimedia, multi-platform program aimed at informing and supporting youth and their families facing life's varied challenges. Comprising of a television series, in-class lesson plans and mobile and web support systems, the program's topics focus on youth mental health and well being issues, including: Peer Pressure, Bullying, Family Dynamics, Addictions, Body Image, Depression and Anxiety.
The 13-episode television series entitled Teens 101 is currently in production helmed by veteran Producer & Director Daniel D'Or. "I want to produce this show that conveys to teens, that no matter what stressful challenges they may be facing, they're not alone," says D'Or. We want to empower youth with knowledge, tools and direction that they and their families may require.
The series combines dramatic recreations with intimate, anecdotal interviews - firsthand accounts from youth and their families. Each story will depict how individuals struggled through their experiences and ultimately found a way to regain control and get back on track. "These remarkable young people will now be seen as role models and even heroes to teen audiences and hopefully inspiring a greater empathy and understanding of each other" D'Or says.
Classroom lesson plans will be designed by the parent corporation of Canamedia and Teens 101 Inc., Magic Lantern Media Inc. who currently provides curriculum-correlated media to schools across Canada. With a unique and forward-thinking lesson plan, Teens 101 will help meet the significant curriculum needs for this subject matter in Canada classrooms today.
The innovative approach to website and app design is also key to the initiative. "The program designs for our social media and web interactive campaigns are courageous and raw with our direct 'teen-to-teen' approach," says Digital Producer, Brad Schroeder. "By utilizing a multitude of dynamic technologies we endeavor to engage today's youth by communicating through mediums youth will connect with and understand."
"Youth sharing personal stories with youth is the most engaging and impactful way to reach youth and creates a safe space for them to reach out and ask for help" says Una Wright of YouthSpeak Performance Charity.
"Teens 101 is a great way to encourage teens and young adults to think about their overall wellness," says Radhika Subramanyan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch. "Realizing that they are not alone in facing stress and challenges and knowing how and when to seek out support is key to them developing into mentally healthy adults. We are proud to work with Canamedia on this important project."
About Canamedia: Founded in 1978, Canamedia is one of Canada's longest established distribution and production companies. Acquired by Distribution Access in 2010, Canamedia is now part of a growing enterprise that offers all aspects of content Distribution worldwide, Production and Production Services. Distribution worldwide is one of our key strengths, and as a major syndicator across Canada and the US, we are a leader in the new specialty channel and digital universe. Canamedia has become one of the world's leading distributors of lifestyle programming and adventure/outdoor shows. Other categories licensed include drama series, TV movies, musicals, jazz, and children's programming. http://www.canamedia.com ttp://magiclanternmedia.com
About TELUS Fund: Launched in 2013, the TELUS Fund finances the creation of exceptional health and wellness TV programming and digital media that promote the health and well-being of Canadians. The TELUS Fund aims to support 10 to 20 winning submissions with approximately $250,000. per project. Successful projects will be available via television, Internet and mobile platforms.
The TELUS Fund is made possible through the overwhelming success of Optik TV, now reaching more than 852,000 TELUS TV customers. http://www.telusfund.ca
About YouthSpeak Performance Charity: YouthSpeak contributes to the mental and social well-being of students who may be facing challenges by creating awareness that bullying, mental health, and addiction affects everyone in the community. Youth with lived experience share their personal stories and message of hope and building resilience. They provide youth presentations for schools, parent/teacher groups, conferences, workplace Lunch N' Learn and many other community groups. Schools commission YouthSpeak to support their safe and inclusive schools initiatives, mental health awareness activities and their bullying prevention strategies. http://youthspeak.ca
About CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) Halton Region Branch: CMHA branches across Canada provide a wide range of innovative services and supports to people who are experiencing mental illness and/or addictions and their families. The CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service. The CMHA Halton Region Branch supports people who have mental illness and/or addictions to maximize their wellness, improve their quality of life, and cope with crises and helps the community learn more about mental health, addictions, and community services. http://halton.cmha.ca
SOURCE Canamedia
Image with caption: "Canamedia, Telus Fund, Canadian Mental Health Association, Youth Speak (CNW Group/Canamedia)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150707_C8911_PHOTO_EN_437161.jpg
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