8th May 2012 The Mental Health Commission of Canada today released their report “Changing Directions; Saving Lives”. YLC welcomes the recognition by the MHC in their report of the problem of suicide in Canada. YLC believes that while mental health is important in the prevention of suicide it is also important to understand that the whole health of the individual is essential in preventing suicide – mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.

Read the report of the MHC here

Be sure to view Jasmine Richards new music video “YOU HAVE THE POWER” at here and support May 7th download day. More info at the music video link.

View our May e-newsletter here

Read earlier e-newsletters here

Together with Think Tank Partners, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Your Life Counts Founder Rory Butler joined senior agency representatives and stakeholders from across Canada at a ground breaking meeting in Ottawa in early May 2012 to discuss the need for collaboration and progress in suicide prevention work across the country.

Rory and the YLC team have worked tirelessly to press for more resources as over 4,000 people die by suicide each year and Canada stands alone in the G7 as the only country not to have a co-ordinated strategy for suicide prevention amongst its peoples. Bill c300 to Parliament as proposed by Harold Albrecht MP calls for a national framework for suicide prevention in Canada – the Bill is past its second reading so let us hope that it will move quickly to law without delay. [Read in our news threads below of Rory's work with Harold Albrecht MP and other senior Parliamentarians in the development of Bill c300 to Parliament].

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention have an excellent blueprint for a national suicide prevention strategy in Canada. Read it online here

Read an endorsement of YLC from the President & COO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Louise Bradley, here

At just 21 years of age, Canada’s Kyle Marcelli has established himself as one of North America’s rising stars in professional auto racing across the globe. We are honoured to have Kyle as one of our Ambassadors here at YLC. Watch this space for exciting more news soon as YLC and Kyle Marcelli work on a new program to raise awareness of our work with Kyle’s help.

For more info about Kyle click here

Jeanette Liu reports on a Humber student debate catalyzed by a study at California State University which suggests that students need to log out of social media and log in to studying for success.

Read the article here

Read this excellent article by Marlo Thomas of the Huffington Post on perhaps one of the most important films of the year.

Archimedia Studios announces that 15 year old Canadian singer/songwriter Megan Landry has been selected as “Top Female Artist” in their recent Archimedia STAR contest. Megan’s self produced music video “Stronger” continues to gather momentum in social media and is being very well received wherever the song is played.

Read the news thread below and you will see how YLC was one of the first agencies to beat the drum for Megan.

YLC is excited and delighted to be working with Megan and looks forward to some great work ahead. Way to go Megan! Well done!

Read more here

Over the last few months, be a STAR has hosted rallies against bullying in schools around the USA

A few examples – click on the city below:

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles – second media report

German Valley, Illinois

New Haven, CT

Springfield, Mass