Loyalist College students, staff and members of the community attended a presentation by Eric Windeler and Dan Johnson on The Jack Project, an initiative that Eric established in legacy of his son Jack Windeler who died by suicide in March 2010, during his first year of studies at Queen’s University. Eric is the Volunteer Lead of The Jack Project at Kids Help Phone and Dan the Outreach Manager.
In sharing Jack’s story and encouraging help-seeking and help-giving behaviour, Eric and Dan’s discussion challenges widespread misperceptions about mental health and empowers young adults by providing them with the information and support necessary to achieve and sustain mental wellness.
Loyalist is one of 12 post-secondary institutions across Ontario that is participating in The Jack Project’s year-long pilot (September 2011-June 2012). There are also 22 high schools and two Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada involved. As part of the initiative, more than 80 people at Loyalist College, including educators and student team leaders, have received Mental Health First Aid training through the Canadian Mental Health Association. The on-campus projects have been led by a small group of dedicated students and staff who have been working closely with The Jack Project outreach team to bring information and support to students.
