A look in from Friday's event with guest speaker Allan Kehler. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

With BEATS Encounter Program

NBCHS shines a light on mental health

Jun 2, 2023 | 4:27 PM

Students at North Battleford Comprehensive High School were visited by a special guest speaker Friday, in mental health advocate, author, and public speaker, Allan Kehler.

Kehler was brought in to speak to the students about the importance of mental health, and ‘how to stop struggling in silence, and create an attitude of resilience.’

Kehler said anytime he gets the chance to speak with a group of students at the high school level, it’s something he takes to heart from his own mental health journey.

“Because my challenges with mental health started when I was in Grade 8, I look out there and think to myself, what would this have done for me?” Kehler said. “I spent so many years just not talking about my pain and not giving myself permission to be vulnerable, so it’s all about redefining what it means to be strong. Empowering the students to use their voice and reach out for help with whatever they’re going through.”

Using a variety of methods to interact with the couple hundred students in attendance, including posing questions to the audience and calling on volunteers to take part in mini games, Kehler said it’s always great too, to see the participation and enthusiasm the students have to offer.

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“I love it,” he said with a laugh. “I do a lot of corporate events, and usually that’s crickets when it comes to asking for volunteers, so to have 100-some kids begging to be called up to the front, I love it. It’s a different energy and a different way to get them excited about talking about mental health, and stress and wellness.”

Kehler was brought in to speak through fundraising efforts by the North Battleford BEATS Encounter program. Created in 2014, BEATS (Building Expression and Awareness through Theatre and Sound) began as a way to help at-risk youth access community resources and positive outlets to help them understand their emotions and behaviors and guide them to viable career options down the road.

Coordinator with BEATS, Jessica Olson said the program is grateful to be able to provide their services to shine a light on the important issue of mental health in the community’s youth.

“We were fortunate with fundraising and sponsors who donated grants for us to be able to bring in a keynote speaker in Mr. Allan Kehler to speak to the students today about resilience and improved mental health in our community,” she said. “It wouldn’t be possible without the support of all of our community sponsors who make events like this a success.”

Principal of NBCHS, Jay Nichol echoed the importance of a positive mental health message to the students.

“I’m just really pleased Jessica was able to bring in Allan today, as mental health is so important,” Nichol said. “His message about being able to talk about it is so important too and I’m very pleased that message is out there for our students and hope it helps our students’ mental health.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1