The impacts of COVID-19 on sport and beyond has shown a need for more regular conversations around mental health, normalizing asking for help and making resources accessible to those who need them.
These awards recognize an individual, a BC-based non-profit organization, and a BC-based company that are working to improve the health and safety of British Columbians. Nominees must have demonstrated a concern for health and safety through specific actions or initiatives. These actions must show ingenuity and creativity, and have resulted in change with the potential for positive, long-term improvement.
Read the full article »Buddy Check for Jesse – a youth-focused non-profit organization – is helping to change the conversation around youth mental health.
Anyone can experience challenges with their mental health – they are common and can happen at any age. Buddy Check for Jesse is supporting coaches of youth sports teams to talk openly to their players about mental health, and challenge stereotypes about who may be struggling.
The founder of Buddy Check for Jesse, Dr. Stu Gershman, shares his experiences, the work of the organization, and why talking about mental health with youth is so important.
Read the full article »During the current COVID-19 pandemic, mental health awareness is more important than ever. The Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) and viaSport have recently partnered with the Buddy Check for Jesse Society, a program bringing awareness to mental health in sport. The society was created by Dr. Stu Gershman in memory of his son Jesse Short-Gershman who tragically took his life in 2014 after struggling with mental health issues. Since partnering with BC Hockey, their message has spread to hundreds of coaches and thousands of players and this new partnership will expand the program across a wider range of sports.
Read the full article »Thank you to the Victoria Kings doctors hockey team for their $5000.00 donation to the Buddy Check for Jesse Initiative
WMHA hockey players use green stick tape in Buddy Check for Jesse mental health initiative
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Publisher: Janet Russel
BUDDY CHECK FOR JESSE UPDATE:
TURNING A FAMILY TRAGEDY INTO HEALING, HOPE AND SAVING LIVES
Submitted by Shelley Gershman
On October 29th, 2014, my brother Stu’s oldest son Jesse, age 22, died by suicide. Jesse was a “gifted child”. By age 20 he was working in Silicon Valley at Google, his dream career. Stu Gershman, a Sports Medicine Doctor and Pain Management Leader lives in Victoria, BC. Stu was looking for a way to help his other two sons feel supported and to make their teammates understand the importance of mental health.
Read the full article »‘You can never have enough mental health awareness:’ South Island Royals join growing Buddy Check program
2018 – 2019 Winner: Dr. Stu Gershman (Victoria)
This annual award acknowledges outstanding service by a volunteer who has devoted his or her time to assist safety and risk management within BC Hockey.
The annual Presidents’ Awards, presented by Sports with Balls, now in its 25th year, are presented to volunteers from Sport BC member and partner organizations who represent the spirit of volunteerism, and whose dedication, energy and commitment contribute to the development of their sport or organization in the province of British Columbia.
Read the full article »Island Parent Magazine, Feb 2019 “Tweens and Teens” Edition
Buddy Check For Jesse, launched October 2018, provided green tape–the colour for mental health–to hundreds of teams throughout B.C. for players to tape their sticks in support of mental health.
The campaign is in honour of my son, Jesse Anders Short-Gershman, born on July 22, 1992 in Victoria, British Columbia. Jesse was a “gifted child” and was highly accomplished academically throughout his life. By the age of 20 he was working in Silicon Valley at Google. He was kind, funny, an excellent golfer, swimmer, pianist, and cared deeply about his family and the environment.
Read the full article »Chemainus Valley Courier
The issue of mental health was in the spotlight Jan. 5 and 6 when Fuller Lake and Island Savings Centre Arenas co-hosted a special hockey tournament for Bantam C teams.
BC Hockey has partnered with Buddy Check for Jesse to create awareness for mental health. Buddy Check for Jesse was created by Dr. Stu Gershman, who tragically lost his son Jesse to suicide October 29, 2014.
Read the full article »By Shelley Gershman Neighbours of Windfields Magazine – December 6th 2018 On October 29th, 2014, my brother Stu’s oldest son Jesse, age 22, died by suicide. Jesse was a “gifted child”, highly accomplished academically throughout his life. By the age of 20 he was working in Silicon Valley at Google, his dream career. Jesse enjoyed … Continued
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