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Friday, December 06, 2013
Ring a Bell campaign

Fredericton (GNB) - The official Ring a Bell

campaign ceremony, designed to make the public aware of children's mental health issues, was held today at École des Bâtisseurs in Fredericton. The event was organized by the non-profit organization Dots NB.

"Promoting good mental health for our children is a priority for our government, said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Marie-Claude Blais. "If we all work together we can take positive action to improve the mental health of young New Brunswickers.

More than 50,000 students from Grades 3 to 8 rang bells for one minute to support the Ring a Bellcampaign. This unifying gesture is designed to underscore the importance of kids' mental health to children, parents, and the community.

"Our government has committed to making children's mental health a priority and to give all young people the opportunity to succeed and attain their full potential, Blais said. "That is the vision guiding us when we have to make choices and make changes to the education system and early childhood services.

Dots NB works in co-operation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Bell Aliant to promote good mental health for children and to make the public aware of children's mental health needs.

"Young people across New Brunswick are now being given the opportunity to learn about positive mental health, said Maureen Bilerman, executive director of Dots NB. "Encouraging dialogue in our schools, homes and communities is critical to effecting change.

Mental health is a focus of Bell Aliant's community program. Since 2011, the company has established 163 new mental health partnerships in the markets it serves, including Dots NB.

"Bell Aliant is proud to continue our partnership with Dots NB, said Lisa Merrithew, Bell Aliant's vice-president, corporate affairs. "Their leadership in raising awareness and educating our youth on the importance of mental health is making a real difference in the province.

Media Contacts:

Johanne Le Blanc, communications, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 506-453-3085.

Isabelle Boulet, Bell Aliant Corporate Affairs, 506-457-5554, isabelle.boulet@bellaliant.ca.

Maureen Bilerman, Executive Director, Dots NB 506-206-1660, maureen.bilerman@dotsnb.ca



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