About The Initiative
We are better when we are together! We are better when we care for one another, forgive one another, love one another. That is the slogan of the Better Together T-Shirt project started by Pastor Deb McNabb from North Battleford, Sk in early 2019. The tragedies that happened in the Battlefords — 8 deaths by suicide which occurred over a span of 7 weeks— were the impetus for this project. Five of those suicides were under the age of 22 and 3 were over the age of 55.
The T-shirts, the symbol of this program are meant to be an ice breaker in communication between all generations so that no matter the age of an individual, people will make an effort to connect with someone with a Better Together T-shirt design. The organization promotes “Together Tuesdays” with a goal to look for someone wearing a “Better Together” T-shirt every Tuesday to connect with and encourage. Today, many communities across Saskatchewan are now on board with “better together.”
The T-shirts, the symbol of this program are meant to be an ice breaker in communication between all generations so that no matter the age of an individual, people will make an effort to connect with someone with a Better Together T-shirt design. The organization promotes “Together Tuesdays” with a goal to look for someone wearing a “Better Together” T-shirt every Tuesday to connect with and encourage. Today, many communities across Saskatchewan are now on board with “better together.”
Bringing awareness of suicide prevention
“Better Together” Kindersley has its own public Facebook group where anyone can see the upcoming projects, workshops, events. At every opportunity we promote “Better Together Tuesdays”, social connections, personal support and respect for others through our motivational speakers, handouts, and of course, our Facebook posts.
One example of a “Better Together” initiative is the “Raising Awareness about Mental Health and Suicide Prevention” sessions in the schools in Bruno, SK sponsored by the “Better Together” organizational group in Bruno. “Better Together’ Kindersley is also planning mental health and suicide prevention sessions for students in our area as well as purchasing t-shirts for specific classrooms in the months ahead.
One example of a “Better Together” initiative is the “Raising Awareness about Mental Health and Suicide Prevention” sessions in the schools in Bruno, SK sponsored by the “Better Together” organizational group in Bruno. “Better Together’ Kindersley is also planning mental health and suicide prevention sessions for students in our area as well as purchasing t-shirts for specific classrooms in the months ahead.
A connected community is a healthy community; we are better together.
Facilitate mental health awareness and provide a positive incentive for well being, understanding, decreased loneliness and enhanced social cohesion in our community. Uniting businesses in an effort to sponsor school kids or other groups with T-shirts. “Experience our Energy” by encouraging people to “Connect with our Energy”. Kindersley can be an example of a connection culture in the midst of divisive times.
What does it cost?
Your participation by purchasing and wearing the T-shirts on Tuesdays and acknowledging others who are doing the same! In the future, consider sponsoring t-shirts for classrooms or sports organizations, etc.