The Mask Project – Are You Okay?

WATCH : The Mask Project

The mask clinic is an initiative that the Peel Regional Police Organizational Wellness Bureau introduced to its members as a pilot project in December 2019 and January 2020. The Mask Project was aimed at being one of the ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and to stimulate conversations and inspire more members to reach out for help.

Initially, each person who volunteered, created a plaster mold of their face and later created symbolic artwork to complete the piece.

The concept of the mask was to paint the outside of the mask, as to what it was the person wanted to show the world or how they wished to portray themselves to others.  The inside of the mask was painted with what the person wanted to keep to themselves and not reveal to others in fear of being judged or having others know what they were struggling with. The duality of the mask demonstrated that even though people walk around with a smile on their face, they may in fact be battling something inside. 

Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in a first responder culture is a crucial step in the right direction. It is however, one of the most difficult challenges that first responders face.

We need to look after each other. We need to look after ourselves and we need to reduce the stigma.

It’s okay to not be okay and it’s absolutely okay to reach out for help.   

To learn more about peer support for first responders across Ontario, visit bootsontheground.ca

To learn more about The Mask Project creative art clinics contact Ann Clifford at aclifford@gmail.com or 647-994-1773.