How the Paul Hansell Foundation Supports Mental Health

Assumption Catholic Secondary School

Assumption Catholic Secondary School (Burlington) annually presents the Paul Hansell School Life award.  Through PHF, the recipient receives a bursary towards their continuing education.

Brock University

The Goodman School of Business has assumed the Paul Hansell Student Competition Award making it an accredited award from the university.  This award is presented during both the fall and winter semesters and to the student who best exemplifies Paul’s nature and skill in competition and working in teams. PHF supports this award through a bursary at the University.

In the fall of 2013, Brian Hansell was appointed to Brock University’s Mental Health Management Advisory Committee.  A strong working relationship with the Brock University Student Union (BUSU) representatives and sponsorship of BUSU’s wellness week mark the first initiatives of the Paul Hansell Foundation’s efforts for Student Life Balance. Click here to check it out.

Reach Out Center for Kids (ROCK)

In partnership with the Reach Out Center for Kids we established the Paul Hansell Hand Up (for kids) fund. The fund name is a reflection of Paul’s approach to the world around him, in the words of the Director of Foundation Operations (ROCK) “ I believe it has so many positive connotations- giving kids a hand up not a hand out, you raise your hand up when you want to be heard, we are trying to promote mental health awareness and de-stigmatization-you put your hand up and ask someone if they’re ok, be counted, the hand works so well with the Rock brand, etc.”

To date Paul Hansell Hand up (for Kids) fund as supported; Youth aiding Youth Social Skills Camps, Music lessons and hugs for the holidays.

Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa

The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is a multi-service agency that has spent more than 55 years empowering and supporting young people in crisis across the City of Ottawa. YSB is the lead agency for youth mental health services in Ottawa, offering a range of mental health programs to youth and their families, including a 24/7 mental health Crisis Line, an online Crisis Chat, a mobile crisis team, a Mental Health Walk-In clinic, youth and family counseling services, and school-based mental health services. The PHF provides funding support to YSB’s Mental Health Walk-In Clinic which receives roughly 800 visits annually and is a critical lifeline for struggling young people in the Ottawa community.

PHF resource cards are located in YSB clinics and we are working closely with YSB to help make their waiting more  youth friendly. Stay tuned!