Team Unbreakable

There is a youth mental health crisis. One in three high school students report psychological distress, one in five youth have a mental health issue, and shockingly, one in 10 have contemplated suicide. Our Team Unbreakable Running Program provides students with mechanisms to enhance their mental health and manage stress, anxiety and depression. Through our non- competitive running program and a professional curriculum, they build awareness, self-esteem and resilience. It's a free, fun program run in partnership with the Toronto District School Board and others in the GTA. We address mental health in a proven and accessible way. Kids and youth learn how to run and in so doing they become equipped with tools and resources that instill confidence, and enable them to overcome challenges, build character, and have fun. Its a non-competitive program for mental health with a curriculum that includes life hacks for mindfulness, nutrition, stretching and more. Running affects mood and by learning this it then gives the students a tool to enhance their mental health and manage stress, anxiety and depression. They build awareness, self-esteem and resilience. They run with purpose. The program was adopted from Credit Valley Hospital where a healthcare professional uses running as part of his treatment program for youth in his care. We adapted it as a recreational program, while still offering it as a clinical solution as well. How it works: It's like a club. Meets twice a week (e.g. lunch or after school). Teacher / staff-led with our support. From 5 to 95 participants in a team! There's a curriculum component and a run component. After 8 to 12 weeks, all schools get together for a "Goal" event - a community 5k run that's fun for everyone - which Team Unbreakable organizes. The science is sound, and our results compelling.