Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, validated, and supported for exactly who they are. We’re excited to announce our partnership with HearMe– an app that lets you text with a real person 24/7 who is trained to provide support and listen to your fears, frustrations, joys or struggles, or just to help you get through the day.
Our mission for WIRTH has always been to reduce the barriers surrounding mental health, counselling and therapy. Whether that's financial, stigma or access. We hope this partnership can help with all three!
We want to provide this partnership to the WIRTH community at no cost and without having to wait to hear back from us. Simply click the link below and fill out a brief form. Check for your welcome email from HearMe (make sure you look in your junk folder as well) with your link to download the app and create your account. Once you’re in, you can start chatting with a peer support specialist in minutes, anytime, day or night.
We believe having a safe space to talk about our mental health at any time of day is a necessity and with HearMe we can help provide this for our community.
"WIRTH Hats is extremely excited to collaborate with HearMe to provide emotional support in a timely manner. Sometimes we just need someone to listen and to feel seen and heard, whether we’re lonely, sad or feeling alone, HearMe can help."
- Ben Miller, co-founder of WIRTH Hats
"Our team was incredibly moved and inspired by the WIRTH Hats story. There was no question that this was a company and a mission that we wanted to be a part of. We are grateful to be a resource for the WIRTH community and provide a safe space for people to be heard and know they are not alone."
- Adam Lippin, founder & CEO, HearMe
Supporting ourselves and those around us can be hard sometimes. We hope this WIRTH partnership can be a small step to helping it be a little easier.
Happy World Mental Health Day!
HearMe is an on-demand peer support application where people connect through the power of shared lived experience. HearMe leverages certified listeners for 24/7/365 access to text-based peer support for those issues you need to get off your chest. HearMe envisions a world where all people are understood and heard the moment they need it, allowing them to thrive as individuals and collectively as members of their community. Learn more at hearme.app.
WIRTH Hats is a Vancouver brand that is dedicated to making an impact in the mental health space in a way that’s impactful and empowering. All our hats are made in Vancouver, BC with every hat purchase going to support counselling and therapy for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. The WIRTH story is the driving force behind what we do and the reason for our name, which is in honour of our friend Jakob Wirth. You can check out the full story of WIRTH Hats on our story page at wirthhats.com/story
For more information, visit WIRTHHats.com.
WIRTH contact:
www.wirthhats.com
contact@wirthhats.com
If you answered yes to any of the above, and feel ready to take the plunge and move from the sidelines to the centerfield in getting them some help, read on. Unfortunately, this part is often the most challenging. Here’s what you need to know to start the conversation as effectively as possible:
You’ve shown your friend or loved one care and concern and created a safe space for them to start the conversation, should they decide to explore the topic of the therapy in the future. Ultimately, the process of therapy does work best when the person is intentionally showing up to their sessions, wanting to be there. You, nor anyone can force them.
Be sure to still listen to what your loved one has to say and validate their feelings. Allow them to disagree with you but offer to have the conversation at a future time, if they do change their mind.
https://www.goodtherapy.org/how-to-help.html https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-tell-someone-to-go-to-therapy
]]>How do you know what your social media limits are? How much is simply too much? Before cutting it out completely, it can be helpful to monitor your behavior first. Experts suggest taking note of how the use of your social accounts impact you, and then planning how to use them as a result of such.
Here’s an experiment to try at home:
Rate your emotions on a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the most intense, before and after using social media sites at the same time every day for one week. If you notice you feel less happy after your social media use, consider implementing some boundaries to reduce your use. Here are some boundaries to try right away:
Think you’re ready to quit cold turkey? Studies have found that taking a break from Facebook helps boost psychological well-being. So go ahead and give it a try to see how you feel! You might find that you’re able to make more space for connecting IRL.
After all, virtual friend time doesn’t have the therapeutic effect as time with real friends.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/06/30/a-run-down-of-social-medias-effects-on-our-mental-health/?sh=6453d92e2e5a
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health
https://medium.com/personal-growth-lab/3-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-check-your-smartphone-within-1-hour-of-waking-up-6ccb1264ec74
]]>One in four Canadians experience mental health problems. That's a staggering number, up 25% from one in five in 2021, and it doesn't look like it will get better any time soon. As if those statistics weren't scary enough, if you work in the advertising industry, you're three times more likely to experience anxiety or depression than the general population.
Vancouver-based advertising agency Full Punch has collaborated with WIRTH Hats to help improve mental well-being by releasing a new cap that puts the Canadian mental wellness hotline number top of mind, literally. "Stats show that better visibility of mental health hotlines increases calls by as much as 25%," said Partner, Head of Creative, Chris Zawada. "So we teamed up with WIRTH to put the Canadian mental wellness hotline number somewhere it's always with you, whenever you need it."
Created in memory of Jakob Wirth, who lost his life to suicide, WIRTH Hats is a company whose sole purpose is improving mental health. Every hat WIRTH sells sponsors a free counselling session for someone in need. "We've been looking to add a more actionable piece like this to our collection for a while," said co-founder Ben Miller. "What's so great about this hat is that it has a clear call-to-action—to call for help if you're feeling the strain. At WIRTH we have talked about the idea of creating three levels of impact with our hats. First, the symbol of mental health all of our hats represent and the WIRTH story behind it. Second, the WIRTH Counselling Fund and how each hat contributes. And third is where the Hotline Hat comes in, putting a 24/7 counselling hotline number top of mind.”
In addition to the unconventional approach of placing a support line on a hat, the design utilizes green, the international colour for mental health awareness, paired with bright yellow, promoting happiness and optimism in the observer. "These hats are designed to grab people's attention, offering a much-needed lifeline in an industry where mental health resources can be challenging to track down," says Zawada.
Full Punch is confident the collaboration will start an honest discussion around mental health and encourage those who need help to pick up the phone and have a chat. "We hope the hats open the door for more conversation about positive mental hygiene in advertising and beyond," said President, Partner Mike Leslie. "Aside from providing tangible free counselling sessions for those who need them, the hats will help create an allyship that, sadly, is currently missing from our industry."
Together we can help make the industry we love better. Buy a hat. Give a chat. hotlinehat.com
]]>Proceeds from WIRTH Hat sales will go towards supporting the counselling fund, which covers costs of counselling for individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford it. WIRTH Hats are shipped to over 25 countries around the world as we continue to amplify the WIRTH mental health reach.
To apply for TELUS Health MyCare counselling support through WIRTH Hats, visit the WIRTH Hats counselling page. Counselling sessions will be granted to eligible individuals for a duration based on needs.
WIRTH Hats mission is two-fold:
WIRTH Hats continuously works towards building an inclusive culture, where people can share feelings and thoughts without stigma and fear. We believe providing affordable mental health counselling is crucial for healthier and happier individuals, families and communities.
“WIRTH Hats is extremely excited to collaborate with Telus Health MyCare to provide mental health counselling support to individuals and families unable to afford on their own. Telus Health MyCare has an amazing roster of mental health counsellors that are ready to support Canadians across the country.”
- Ben Miller, co-founder of WIRTH Hats
“We are very happy to be a part of this WIRTH Hats initiative, so more people in Canada can get the mental health support they need, especially during these trying times. TELUS Health MyCare offers simple, direct access to caring mental health professionals that can help with anything from daily challenges to more severe conditions, so you can start feeling better today.”
- Chris Engst, Managing Director, TELUS Consumer Health
As a leading virtual care provider in Canada, TELUS Health MyCare is improving the lives of people in Canada by providing enhanced access to personalized, holistic and high-quality care. The TELUS Health MyCare app enables users to access a robust suite of health and wellness services and tools, from the convenience of their smartphone, to improve their overall health, consult with a locally licensed physician in numerous languages, and book appointments with professional mental health counsellors and registered dietitians.
For more information, visit telus.com/en/personal-health/my-care.
WIRTH Hats is a Vancouver brand that is dedicated to making an impact in the mental health space in a way that’s impactful and empowering. All our hats are made in Vancouver, BC with every hat purchase going to support counselling and therapy for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. The WIRTH story is the driving force behind what we do and the reason for our name, which is in honour of our friend Jakob Wirth. You can check out the full story of WIRTH Hats on our story page at wirthhats.com/story.
]]>From doodles on the corners of your notebooks in school, to the notes you’ve jotted down before an important discussion with a friend, odds are you’ve journaled before–even if it wasn’t your intent to do so.
There’s nothing quite like setting up, or ending your day with a thoughtful journal practice. The practice of unhinging one's thoughts and letting them flow across paper, your laptop screen, or heck– even the notes app on your phone can be simply therapeutic and soul nourishing.
Ready to revisit the art of journaling?
Whether it’s the experience of an emotional release, or an inspiring ritual you’re seeking, journaling just might be the best–and cheapest tool to achieve exactly that. The best part? You can experience the benefits of this practice absolutely whenever you’d like, at absolutely no cost at all.
Journaling requires the application of the analytical and rational left side of the brain. While your left hemisphere is occupied, your right hemisphere (the creative side) is given the freedom to wander and play. This might be why it feels so nourishing to put your pen to paper during a journaling sesh.
Journaling also enables you to sort through disorganized thoughts, and lay them out where you can see them–allowing you to better understand them and release what’s weighing you down. Journaling can also, in particular, help those struggling with PTSD or trauma.
A few benefits of daily thoughtful scroll across your paper:
Have we ever told you how much we simply love journaling?! If you’re feelin’ up for giving it a try with us, here are a few how-to’s to get the ball rolling on your practice.
Did you know that you can tailor your journaling practice to your mental health goals, and your lifestyle? Track symptoms day-to-day so that you can identify and better control triggers, identify negative thoughts, or simply give yourself an opportunity for positive self-talk to improve your mood. Enjoy designing your journaling practice uniquely for you.
The truth is, There’s no wrong way to journal–from a scroll across a page, to a diary, to bullet points on your notes app. Need a prompt? Here are a few of our favourites!
Sources:
]]>WIRTH Hats continuously works towards building an inclusive culture, where people can share feelings and thoughts without fear and stigma. It is believed that providing accessible and affordable counselling and therapy could be a crucial gateway to promoting mental health.
Proceeds from WIRTH Hat sales go toward supporting our counselling fund, which pays for individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford counselling. WIRTH Hats have been shipped to over 25 + countries around the world as we continue to amplify the WIRTH reach.
To apply for counselling support through WIRTH Hats, visit the WIRTH Hats counselling page. Upon approval, counselling will be granted for an agreed-upon duration. WIRTH Hats mission is three-fold:
“ WIRTH is excited to partner with Phare, a local Vancouer counselling organization with a big heart and strong values. We believe in Phares’ mission to make counselling more accessible. Phare wants to remove barriers of access and focus on what really matters: improving mental health for everyone. We think that’s a pretty wirthy mission to get behind!”
- Ben Miller, co-founder of WIRTH Hats
“Phare is thrilled to join forces with WIRTH Hats to help make counselling more accessible. Both Phare and WIRTH want to make the world better by making it feel better and that's no small thing. In fact, it might be the biggest thing of all. Thanks, WIRTH.”
– Dr. Ray Hsu, co-founder of Phare
Phare is a community, a mission, and a revolution. The idea for Phare was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were inspired by organizations who were providing accessible counselling to frontline and essential workers. But it made us realize that the way people typically access counselling just doesn’t work. People aren’t getting the help they need because of high costs, long waitlists, and confusing processes. Together, we’re working to change that. We created a new sustainable system that removes the barriers of access and focuses on what really matters: improving mental health for everyone.
Phare's contact info:
https://www.pharecounselling.com
hello@pharecounselling.com
(604) 800-2199
WIRTH contact info:
]]>We spoke with Jordan about:
Learn more about Jordan at www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca.
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please, if you know anyone who may also benefit from watching, please pass along! WIRTH's goal is to reduce the stigma and break down barriers around counselling and therapy. We believe Conversations with Counsellors is a step towards that goal. If you or someone you know is in need of counselling and cannot afford, please get in touch on our website: counselling.wirthhats.com
To be up to date on all WIRTH Conversation with Counsellors releases subscribe to the WIRTH YouTube channel.
]]>
Earlier this year I noticed an individual buying quite a few WIRTH Hats on a variety of occasions, my first thought was this person really loves hats! A fellow hat lover. My spidey sense started to activate though and I realized perhaps this person didn’t actually own 20 WIRTH Hats all for himself, maybe there is more to the story here...
After procrastination kicked in for a couple weeks I decided to reach out to this individual for a coffee and see where these WIRTH head hugs may be ending up!
My visit with Mike was a delightful one, I discovered he is someone not only with a big heart who was gifting most of his hats (yet still holding on to a strong collection of 5 for himself) but also an innovative mastermind creating gift matrices in his spare time. Mike went on to explain to me his (patented?) Gift Matrix and how he uses it to make his gifting decisions!
I decided instead of me explaining Mike's Gift Matrix, no better person to explain it than Mike himself. So I asked Mike if we would be willing to write a guest post around our conversation and his gift matrix.
The following is the write up we received from Mike!
"The perfect gift is one that allows us to show our friends and loved ones that we care, that we see them for who they are, and tell a story about our relationship.
These gifts allow us to say, “Hey, you’re important to me. I care so much that I painstakingly painted a portrait of your teddy bear.
These gifts take time, care, and attention. We only have so many of these in us.
The worst gifts are things that clearly took no effort and actively communicate that you are not understood. “Oh thank you, ill-fitting snakeskin loafers from the mall”Or a massive time commitment: “And it’s a trilogy you say”
Or ongoing care and attention: “What do feral rabbits eat again?”
Or is somewhat insulting: “I didn’t know Axe deodorant was available in such generous portions”
The optimal gift is one that is meaningful, tells a story, actually fits, and is effortless to purchase. My most optimally efficient gift is a Wirth Hat. They look amazing, fit snugly to (almost) any sized melon, support a great cause, and allow us to say in a literal sense, “hey bud, I care for you, I’m here for you, and I want you to look frickin good.”
This year, spare yourself the consumer hell of the mall, the ickiness of Amazon, and the time hole of crafting a Twitter parody account and instead get your buds a Wirth Hat.
Still aren’t convinced? Refer to the matrix. You can’t just make that stuff up"
]]>The WIRTH Hats Mental Health Self Care Guide is finally here! This guide has been in the works for a while now and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you. However, before you start jumping up and down to do a little self care happy dance, it is important for us to remind people that everything in this guide is simply suggestions to those looking to explore and build upon their own mental health routine. These suggestions are not intended to diagnose or treat severe cases and should not replace the opinions/recommendations of a licensed healthcare practitioner.
If your situation escalates, or you are experiencing a mental health emergency please call 911 or visit our mental health resource page to find the appropriate crisis line.
Cue music. Back to self care happy dance! We hope you enjoy exploring our Mental Health Self Care Guide and it can inspire you to find the self care practices or activities that serve you best. We believe having a self care routine is incredibly valuable and important, however it can look different for all of us.
Our guide covers the topics of exercise, counselling, meditation, journaling, sleep, community, giving back and much more. We leave you with the quote from our guide author and WIRTH team member, Fletcher Donovan on why it was important to create this guide:
“Finding a way to heal, and to be in the driver seat of my own mental health journey became an absolute, rather than a “take it or leave it” interest. I wanted to create this guide because this kind of introspective research has allowed me to keep my head up on the days that feel grey, and a reference for gratitude and appreciation during the in betweens.”
With that we leave you to grab a cup tea, coffee or whatever liquid peace you prefer and enjoy our guide. Always remember, you’re not alone on this journey and you’re always WIRTH IT.
Lots of love,
The WIRTH Team
]]>We linked up with Obabika to celebrate the connection between mental health and the outdoors, while helping you let others know that you actually left your house today. But if you didn't, that's chill too.
Something many of us take for granted is the ability to simply just go outside. Over the last 18 months or so, fresh air was a bit harder to come by during quarantines, lockdowns, and distancing measures. It also layered on a new complexity to those struggling with mental health issues, making the outdoors feel like a whole new hurdle.
As environmental workers, we deal with a pretty dark topic day in and day out. It can be really challenging to get motivated to work on a campaign, or an issue that is literally crippling the planet. This takes a huge toll on our mental health, and can make for some long, dark periods of time. Ultimately, nothing gets us back on track like heading outside and that is something we want to share.
If you are unfamiliar, Obabika is a not-for-profit digital marketing and creative studio for environmental efforts. Our mission is to provide grassroots environmental groups with subsidized services to help your organization reach their goals.
Together, we are releasing The Small Wins Bucket Hat, Dad Cap, and Patch for your own application to show off your day’s crowning achievement.
To us, heading outside is a refreshing reminder of why we do what we do and a daily routine that has been important over the past year and change. While just a few minutes, it’s important to celebrate the small wins.
]]>Date: Friday, August 13, 2021
Time: Doors & Live Music 7:30pm, Film 8:30pm, Q&A: 9:15pm
Location: Concord Community Park (50 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R6)
Pricing: Pay what you can. Minimum suggested pre-sale donation of $10. Minimum suggested door donation of $15.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wirth-hats-presents-crux-an-outdoor-movie-night-tickets-164879321489
This event is at an outdoor park on grass. Bring your own picnic blanket to sit on and enjoy the film. Chairs are discouraged to allow all to see.
WIRTH Hats is excited to host the Vancouver Outdoor Premiere of the film, Crux: The Climb Towards Mental Health at Concord Community Park. The event will feature live music, food and drinks, the film, as well as a Q&A with film directors Zac Hoffman and Casey Dubois and subject of the film, Harvey. There will be opportunities to purchase WIRTH Hats as well as all attendees will be entered to win door prizes including bags from Arc’teryx and Patagonia.
Bring your own picnic blanket to sit on and enjoy the film. Chairs are discouraged to allow all to see.
Life can be beautiful. Life can be messy. Add in the struggles of addiction and life can often become overwhelming. As trauma, depression, heartbreak and declining mental health were woven into Harvey Wright’s internal fabric, so was rock climbing. Climbing gave him purpose and helped him to connect with nature, with others and with himself. Passion and healing followed but his mental health was to be massively tested by the global pandemic, with self-isolation forcing Harvey away from the climbing lifestyle.
Crux tells the story of Harvey’s recovery as he learns to love himself amidst the mountains of his life.
Crux is directed by Zac Hoffman & Casey Dubois. This film was the recipient of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival Adventure Film Grant presented by Arc’teryx, and premiered at their 2021 Festival. Crux was filmed in British Columbia, Canada.
Film Length: 34 Minutes
WIRTH Hats is a Vancouver brand that is dedicated to making an impact in the mental health space in a way that’s impactful and empowering. All our hats are made in Vancouver, BC with
every hat purchase going to support counselling and therapy for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
The WIRTH story is the driving force behind what we do and the reason for our name, which is in honour of our friend Jakob Wirth. You can check out the full story of WIRTH Hats on our story page at wirthhats.com/story.
From the founding of WIRTH Hats, it has always been our mission to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing counselling. One of those barriers that many face is affordability. Through the sale of our hats, hosting events, as well as corporate and personal donations, we provide free counselling sessions for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. Each individual who is sponsored by the WIRTH Hats Counselling Fund will receive at least 4 sessions of free counselling with a possibility for further support.
Learn more and apply for counselling yourself at counselling.wirthhats.com
--
This event is being financially supported by Concord Pacific.
The partnership between the two organizations is a perfect fit, WOODS on Pender is about nurture and healing. To help people feel grounded and cared for, especially during disconnected times. WOODS on Pender offers a unique, luxury camp experience on beautiful Pender Island. The property is situated on a tranquil wooded 7.3 acres and has 4 unique accommodation options - Airstreams, Rustic cabins, Modern Bunkie Cabins and the WOODS Motel. WOODS allows people to escape the pressures of urban life and gaze up at the stars from their deck and unwind in a tranquil environment.
In general, we spend far less time in nature than we did even 25 or 50 years ago.. More jobs are indoors, and children are less likely to play outside. Some of us rarely go into nature at all. But nature and the outdoors can be powerful medicine - helping us to heal, boosting our immunity and improving our mental well-being
We all know the feeling of getting to a place where we can take a big breath of fresh air and let out a large sigh. That's the feeling that WOODS can provide.
The connection to mental health and nature has long been appreciated but never fully understood. Over the last ten years more research has been done to try and figure why spending time in nature seems to be so beneficial for our mental well being. A 2015 study showed that people who went for a 90 minute walk in a natural setting vs an urban one had much lower activity in their prefrontal cortex afterwards, specifically areas that are active during thought rumination. A recent article released in the BC Medical Journal in March of 2021, shared more about the benefits of nature and how going for a 30 minute walk and spending time in nature can have a beneficial impact on your mental wellbeing.
WOODS owner, Curtis Redel on the importance of spending time in nature and partnering with WIRTH:
“As we come out of one of the most challenging years of our lives we must have hope for the future. Now more than ever we need nurture, kindness and hope. WIRTH’s mission touched me in a very personal way. We have all gone through tough times and the only thing that often gets us through is that it will pass. For some of us depression is not situational it looms over us everyday. As humans we all need love and connection. If it can’t be with another person Mother Nature can provide some of that connection. Enveloping us in her arms surrounded by the forest, stars at night and frogs chirping gives us comfort and grounding that is so hard to get these days.
We hope our WIRTH partnership can help those that need counselling and encourage people not to forget to get out and spend time in nature. May is Mental Health Month and what better time to help someone get connected. We look forward to working with WIRTH in their mission.”
At WIRTH we believe taking proactive steps for our mental health is crucial for our overall health and well being. Getting outside as much as possible is a great proactive step, whether that is spending time in your local park, going for a walk in the woods, or escaping to a beautiful place like WOODS on Pender.
This is just the beginning for the WOODS X WIRTH partnership. Stay tuned for more in the future!
Lots of Love,
From WIRTH & WOODS
References:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature
https://bcmj.org/cohp/walk-nature-superfood-physical-activities
]]>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A HUG FOR YOUR HEAD: WIRTH HATS BREAKS DOWN THE BARRIERS
TO MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING
Vancouver-based company provides counselling support through the sale of hats
Vancouver, B.C. (April 20, 2021): May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Vancouver-based WIRTH Hats is offering hugs — for your head. The company is committed to breaking down the barriers for mental health support services, and through the sale of hats, they are helping fund counselling sessions for those in need.
WIRTH Hats was born in memory of co-founder Ben Miller’s friend Jakob Wirth. Jakob had a dream of creating a hat company. For him, hats weren’t just an accessory — they were the perfect addition to an outfit and a central part of what could make someone feel unique. Sadly, Jakob was never able to live out his dream; in 2014 he died by suicide. In honour of him, Ben created hats to share with friends and family — a reminder of Jakob and a reminder that mental health affects us all. Now, WIRTH Hats aims to reduce the stigma on counselling through the sale of hats and to share the story that has already impacted so many individuals. Through their efforts, the team helps provide financial assistance for counselling to those who are unable to afford it.
The pandemic has impacted the mental health of many Canadians. According to Statistics Canada, since Covid-19 began, fewer Canadians reported having excellent or "very good" mental health — 55% in July 2020 compared to 68% in 2019. Over the past year, WIRTH has seen a 1,000% increase in the demand for counselling support — making their fashionable hugs for your head all the more important.
For Mental Health Month this May, WIRTH Hats encourages Canadians to advocate for support and services, diminishing barriers that prevent people from accessing counselling. Consumers can peruse a collection of stylish hats, where proceeds go directly to their Counselling Program. Each individual who is sponsored by WIRTH Hats will receive four sessions of free counselling with a possibility for further support. Fans may purchase hats at retail price ranging from $55–65 CAD or opt for a 1-for-1, which allows your hat to pay for an entire counselling session. To date, WIRTH Hats has sponsored over 4,000 counselling sessions and hopes to continue providing support for people in need.
On April 30, six new hats will be released, marking the beginning of Mental Health Month. For the remainder of May, the team will continue to raise awareness and share important information about mental health. On May 1, WIRTH Hat’s Instagram page will feature a Mental Health Month PSA video, where with every share or comment, their partner Conconi Family Foundation will donate $1 to the counselling fund. In addition, social channels will feature informational videos and a mental health guide. WIRTH Hats is also excited to partner with B.C.-based artists, Annie Chen and Anthony Joseph to create and release limited-edition “artist series” hats, launching on May 3 and May 17 respectively.
Individuals worldwide are eligible to apply for free counselling services offered through the WIRTH Hats Counselling Program. To show your support for mental health and learn more, visit @wirthhats on Instagram on May 1 or visit wirthhats.com to apply for counselling or purchase a hug for your head.
-###-
About WIRTH Hats
WIRTH Hats is a Vancouver brand dedicated to making an impact in the mental health space in a way that’s empowering, impactful and fun. All of WIRTH hats are made in Vancouver, B.C. with every hat purchase going to support counselling and therapy for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. With online counselling providers, WIRTH is able to support those in need — wherever they’re located in the world. The WIRTH story honours their friend Jakob Wirth, who dreamed of creating a hat company, and unfortunately, died by suicide in 2014. WIRTH is a reminder that mental health affects us all and reminds us to check in on our loved ones. WIRTHhats.com
If you have read the WIRTH Hats story on our website, Ben’s words are there: “It’s my dream for everyone in the world to own a WIRTH Hat, but more importantly, I want everyone to own what a WIRTH Hat represents. If we can get to a point where we treat our mental health the same as we do our physical health, I know the world will be a better place”.
A WIRTH Hat is a symbol for conversation and openness, which is why we are so active in supporting counselling and therapy.
A WIRTH Hat represents value and importance. We believe that the world needs your beauty and your spark. WIRTH Hats are an everyday reminder that we are never alone and that we need to make our mental health a priority. If we do, we will be healthier and happier individuals, families and communities.
In writing this, we’re not naive to the fact that not everyone may be able to afford to purchase one of our hats, no matter the impact from buying and owning one. So, if you are someone who would love to own a WIRTH Hat, but do not have the means to purchase one, please get in touch with us. We hope in the not too distant future to make this an official part of our website, a place where individuals can donate a WIRTH Hat to others. But for now, get in touch with us at contact@wirthhats.com.
To date, we have shipped WIRTH Hats to over 20+ countries. The list includes: Canada, U.S. Austria, UK, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Singapore, Chile, Mexico, Ireland, Norway, Poland, New Zealand, Iceland, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, South Korea, Japan, Romania, Finland and Indonesia.
It is an amazing feeling to know that in just over two and half years, WIRTH Hats are being worn across the world!
24 countries down. Only 171 more to go. World population of over 7 billion. Wow. Those are not small numbers. (Moment of paralysis!)
How about we just focus on the next country or person. One step at a time. (Alright, paralysis subsiding.)
To all the WIRTH Hats already out there. Thanks for hugging all those heads! Keep doing what you do best.
Thanks to everyone who has supported WIRTH, it’s been an incredible journey so far and we wouldn’t be able to do it without you!
WIRTH Hats are made with lots of LOVE in Vancouver, Canada.
Sincerely,
- The WIRTH Team
]]>Life is challenging, and it is ok to receive a bit of extra support. If you have never been to counselling, you might have the following questions
During your counselling session, you can talk about anything, e.g., feelings, thoughts, events, etc., which is on your mind. You can share as much as you want, or as little as you wish. You do not have to talk about the same thing every session. You can choose the topic according to your situation and feelings.
We know life is complicated. Sometimes it can be overwhelming with all of our emotions and thoughts. Try to bring your focus to the here-and-now moment. You can start by describing how you feel currently, your recent thoughts, disturbances or physical changes. Your counsellor will ask you questions for further elaboration and discovery. You can go at your own pace.
It is normal. Feelings and emotions are sometimes beyond words. You can try to use an analogy, e.g., It feels like there are a ton of bricks on my shoulders, I feel like I am in a dark hole and I can't see out. Alternatively, you can start describing how your body feels along with the events, e.g., my heart beats faster, my hands are sweating, I feel very uneasy.
Yes. Your counsellor should be following your pace. If you are not comfortable talking about specific issues, just be honest and tell your counsellor. You have no obligations to share anything that you do not feel comfortable with. As you progress, working to expand your comfort zone can bring about growth. Know that it can be normal to feel uncomfortable when we talk about our personal experiences and stories.
Yes. Counselling is a co-created process. You want to find a counsellor that you feel comfortable and safe to work with. You might want to consider how gender, age, ethnicity, religion, personality or cultural background could influence your feeling. Majority of counsellors will do a short introduction call before a session to see if it feels like a good fit. Make sure to read counsellors’ bio to see if your interests and values align.
The WIRTH Hats Counselling Program provides counselling for those unable to afford it. If you have any questions about our program, please feel free to contact counselling@wirthhats.com.
]]>March 4th, 2021
Vancouver, BC: WIRTH Hats is excited to partner with Inkblot– a Canadian-based company dedicated to supporting convenient and affordable counselling services in the area of mental health.
WIRTH Hats continuously works towards building an inclusive culture, where people can share feelings and thoughts without fear and stigma. It is believed that providing accessible and affordable counselling and therapy could be a crucial gateway to promoting mental health.
Proceeds from WIRTH Hat sales go toward supporting our counselling fund, which pays for individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford counselling. We shipped headwear around the world and continues to amplify its reach.
To apply for counselling support through WIRTH Hats, visit the WIRTH Hats counselling page. Upon approval, counselling will be granted for an agreed-upon duration.
WIRTH Hats mission is three-fold:
“WIRTH Hats is extremely excited to partner with Inkblot as one of our counselling partners. Our goal is to provide counselling for anyone who is in need, anywhere in the world. Thanks to Inkblot, we will have the access to make this impact.”
– Ben Miller (Co-founder of WIRTH Hats)
“We are pleased to support WIRTH Hats in helping individuals access mental health care. Inkblot's mission is to provide affordable and accessible mental health care and are pleased to align with WIRTH Hats important charity,”
– Luke Vigeant, CEO of Inkblot.
Jakob Wirth dreamed of creating a hat company. He also struggled with depression. WIRTH Hats’ is a symbol of the importance of our mental health. These hats start the conversation and have been rightly deemed the ‘hug for your head.’
ABOUT Inkblot
At Inkblot, we aim to help you feel motivated and at your best. We ground our approach in the belief that mental health services should be convenient, affordable and confidential. Above all, we aim to provide the highest quality personalized care. Inkblot uses advanced technologies for intelligent matching, monitoring effectiveness, and eliminating geographical barriers. At the same time, we maximize the human connection between care providers and clients. We believe this harmony is the key to our success. Our mission is to help you have a more meaningful, connected and joyful life.
For more information, visit inkblottherapy.com.
ABOUT WIRTH Hats
WIRTH Hats is a hat company that cares about mental health, committed to ending the stigma around counselling & therapy. Our profits go towards supporting mental health initiatives. WIRTH Hats is a tribute to loved and lost friends. It’s a commitment to conversation and openness. We aim to break down barriers and promote open dialogue about mental health. The goal of WIRTH Hats is simple: we want everyone in the world to know they are not alone, and we believe owning a WIRTH Hat will help with that. By wearing a WIRTH Hat, we invite you to be open, to listen and to always remember – You’re #WirthIt.”
For more information, visit WIRTHHats.com.
CONTACT
For WIRTH Hats;
Alexander Hauerslev Jensen
alexander@wirthhats.com
]]>We're excited to launch our sixth episode of Conversations with Counsellors featuring James Kelly.
We spoke with James about:
Learn more about James at www.jamesalexanderkelly.com
]]>A few years back (2014), Ben approached me and said he wanted to make a hat for a friend of his whom he had lost suddenly. His last name was Wirth and he wanted to have a few hats made in his memory, and maybe try and sell some for mental health awareness. I spent some time thinking about what would stand out? It needed to be strong, but also not overbearing. It needed to be timeless, and simple, and easily applied. It needed to not be fussy because the reality is, what we are dealing with here is a subject that needs to be addressed head on, without wavering. We started with a simple wordmark. Ben and I went back and forth a few times over fonts, kerning, stacking options for "I'm Wirth it" and long formats. We settled, and never looked back. The wordmark was just what we both thought it needed to be.
It wasn't long before we began working on an illustration to add to the logo. The hands hold a lot of meaning. When you hold your hands up in the W, there are three things that can be seen. The first, of course, is the shape of a W. The second, is a frame of two hands on either side of your face. This is to symbolize the importance of both looking at yourself and others from a place of compassion, and support. Thirdly, when your two thumbs cross in the middle, you can draw the outline of a heart. All three of these things represent the brand.
The funny part of where this comes from is that, during my teen years, when I struggled most with my own mental health issues, I was a big fan of alternative and punk music. Weezer was touring like crazy in the late 90s early 2000’s and I went to many concerts. The Weezer fans would hold their hands up to make a W. I loved how something so simple connected so many fans without using any words. I thought we should do something similar for WIRTH.
I'm Wirth it. You're Wirth it. With Love.
WIRTH Creative Director & Brand Maven
Natalie Gulliver
]]>Why she chose to become a counsellor, counselling misconceptions, her experience with youth and mental health, being okay with discomfort, and of course dancing!
]]>We're excited to launch the FIFTH episode in our series, Conversations with Counsellors. In Episode 5 we feature Ly Hoang, Counsellor and WIRTH friend. We chatted with Ly about:
To contact Ly. Healing in Colour: healingincolour.com
]]>We're excited to launch the FOURTH episode in our series, Conversations with Counsellors. In Episode 4 we feature: Yasmin Hajian, Counsellor and WIRTH friend. We chatted with Yasmin about:
Hope you enjoy this episode, and please, if you know anyone who may also benefit from watching, please pass along!
Healing in Colour: healingincolour.com
]]>We're excited to launch the third episode in our series, Conversations with Counsellors (COVID -19 Edition)
In Episode 3 we feature: Brian Dean Williams, Counsellor and WIRTH friend. WIRTH's goal is to reduce the stigma and break down barriers around counselling and therapy. Conversations with Counsellors is one step towards that goal.
]]>We're excited to launch the second episode in our series, Conversations with Counsellors.
In Episode 2 we feature: Kevin Kokoska, Counsellor and WIRTH friend. WIRTH's goal is to reduce the stigma and break down barriers around counselling and therapy. Conversations with Counsellors is one step towards that goal.
]]>We're excited to announce the official launch of WIRTH's Conversations with Counsellors series.
Today we launch the first of the series, Episode 1 - Featuring Anna Richards: Counsellor and WIRTH friend. WIRTH's goal is to reduce the stigma and break down barriers around counselling and therapy. Conversations with Counsellors is one step towards that goal.
]]>Our WIRTHWhile Wednesday series has officially launched. In Episode 2 we feature Ronald Dario, comedian and improviser. In this episode, we join Ronald in a few improv games while he shares his passion for improv and how it's benefited his own mental health.
WIRTHWhile Wednesdays are about inspiring people to go out and do something they love on Wednesdays. Something that is good for their mental wellbeing and brings them some mid-week joy!
*Filmed and Edited by Connor McCracken
More info on Blind Tiger Comedy:
]]>Our WIRTHWhile Wednesday series has officially launched. In Episode 1 we feature Harvey Wright, barber, musician, and the star of the upcoming documentary, Crux - The Climb Towards Mental Health. In this episode Harvey shares his passion for climbing and how it has benefited his own mental health.
WIRTHWhile Wednesdays are about inspiring people to go out and do something they love on Wednesdays. Something that is good for their mental wellbeing and brings them some mid-week joy!
*Filmed and Edited by Connor McCracken
]]>British Columbia—A new online service is transforming mental health and substance use supports for youth across the province. Foundry Virtual offers free voice, video and online chat counselling, peer support and various groups for youth ages 12-24 and their caregivers. These confidential offerings can be accessed same-day, without referral. By providing drop-in counselling, peer support and family support in this low barrier format, Foundry Virtual aims to ensure support is available for young people seeking care during a time of exacerbated mental health challenges and decreased ability to access physical services.
The need is clear. Prior to the pandemic, 1 in 5 youth experienced mental health or substance use challenges, yet fewer than 25 percent received appropriate support. COVID-19 has heightened this across the population. Canadians increasingly feel lonely, depressed, anxious or engage in binge drinking. It is estimated that close to two million Canadians are predicted to show signs of traumatic stress, while British Columbia saw the highest number of overdose deaths in May 2020. As demand for additional mental health and substance use support increases, Foundry’s virtual services will meet this demand.
“Our physical centres across B.C. help thousands of youth face mental health and substance use challenges—and will continue to do so. During a time of crisis, we are deeply proud to support youth with a service that bypasses many of the barriers often faced, including distance, stigma or social isolation” said Dr. Steve Mathias, Executive Director of Foundry.
Foundry Virtual’s offerings include counselling, youth and family peer support, group sessions and workshops, and—in the coming months—primary care and social services. These virtual services will be delivered by counsellors, youth and family peer supporters, nurse practitioners, family doctors, psychiatrists, and vocational counsellors. All services are free of charge, and can be accessed Monday to Friday during afternoon and evening hours. Foundry aims to have services available weekdays from 1pm – 9pm within a matter of weeks.
Every offering was developed in close collaboration with young people, including those who already access Foundry’s services and those who do not currently have access. Ensuring meaningful engagement is at the forefront of the network’s model, which considers youth and families equal partners in program development and community building.
“Being a part of the Youth Advisory Committee at Foundry has been an unforgettable experience. This meant a lot to me because I have had my own personal struggles with mental illness. Building Foundry Virtual has positively impacted me and my mental health by giving me a sense of purpose. I feel so lucky to have been a part of this process, and to have been given an opportunity to speak up for something that is important to me. I know this program will provide support to many youth in their own mental health journeys.” explained Jane Doughty, a Virtual Care Youth Advisory Committee Member for Foundry.
The launch of Foundry Virtual comes just days after another exciting development for youth mental health in British Columbia. On June 15, The Province of British Columbia, together with Foundry, announced the launch of eight new Foundry centres to be located in Langley, Squamish, Comox Valley, Williams Lake, Burns Lake, Port Hardy, Surrey and Cranbrook. The virtual programs will provide yet another supportive layer to programming for young people—wherever they live in our province.
About Foundry
Foundry is removing barriers and increasing access to quality care through its province-wide network of integrated youth wellness centres for young people, ages 12 to 24, and their caregivers. Foundry centres bring mental health care, substance use services, primary care, youth and family peer support, and social services under one roof, making it easier for young people to find support in their communities. Online resources and virtual care further broaden Foundry’s reach.
Foundry’s network currently includes nine community-based, partnership-driven centres across BC–in Campbell River, Victoria, North Shore, Vancouver, Ridge Meadows, Abbotsford, Penticton, Kelowna, and Prince George, with two additional centres in Richmond and Terrace currently in development. An additional eight Foundry centres are set to open by 2023, bringing Foundry’s network of centres to a total of 19.
Meaningful engagement is the foundation of Foundry’s work—at governance, leadership, and community levels. Foundry engages over 150 partners across the province of BC, while Foundry’s central office, hosted by Providence Health Care, leads the provincial initiative and supports the development of local centres and Foundry Virtual. Foundry’s online platform, foundrybc.ca, is powered by BC Children’s Hospital.
]]>Rian Peters, otherwise known as @iamtheliving is an artist who, in happier times, was known for sharing his tunes live with us all at either Guilt & Co., Calabash, or The Biltmore Cabaret; he’s got talent, to say the least. The local artist from Peckham South East London resides here in Vancouver. His musical background boasts a wealth of diverse experience, a distinct voice that stands alone, and the ability to create music that speaks volumes.
Aside from music, health and overall well-being are what drives his life. The Living strives to achieve optimal health through surrounding himself with positive people, meditation, and in particular, living a raw-food, fruitarian lifestyle.
A couple of months ago, we chatted with him at one of his favourite spots in town, Eternal Abundance Organic Café and Market, about how food brings him WIRTH.
This especially relevant topic caught our attention in the current times, and is one with which we’re proud to finish off the first series of Brings Me WIRTH.
We’ve recently been paying a lot more attention to the simple things in life; we’re talkin’ things like how we fill ourselves up–how we fuel our bodies. Down to the nitty gritty of what we’re eating for breakfast on an otherwise mundane Tuesday.
Like everyone, we go through our trials and tribulations in life which can obviously affect what we’re spending. For me, I find that consuming living, organic, fresh fruits and veggies really does help me with my well-being. And just gives me a positive vibration. It allows me to, what I like to say, reach my higher self–instead of continuously walking through this realm in my lower self.
So [to answer your question], consuming and just feeling my body, which, you can call your body a temple. I usually call it a spiritual vehicle, because I feel that I’m a spiritual being, and this body is, you know, navigating me through this journey. So yeah, eating raw, living, higher vibrational foods really does allow me to be in a great mental space.
]]>March 30th, 2020
Vancouver, BC: Betterhelp is excited to partner with WIRTH Hats – a headwear apparel company dedicated to supporting counselling services in the area of mental health.
Betterhelp is a world leading online counselling platform and will become WIRTH Hats’ official counselling provider to continue their mission to make professional counselling accessible, affordable and convenient.
WIRTH Hats has shipped headwear around the world and continues to amplify its reach.
Proceeds from WIRTH Hat sales go toward supporting their counselling fund, which pays for individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford counselling.
To apply for counselling support through WIRTH, visit the WIRTH Hats counselling page. Upon approval counselling will be granted for an agreed upon duration.
WIRTH Hats mission is three-fold:
“WIRTH is extremely excited to partner with Betterhelp as its official counselling provider. Our goal is to provide counselling for anyone who is in need, anywhere in the world. Thanks to Betterhelp, we will now have access to make the impact we always hoped to – throughout the world – and if they need financial assistance, WIRTH can help”.
– Ben Miller (Co-founder of WIRTH Hats)
“BetterHelp and WIRTH share the same mission, to make professional counseling accessible anytime and anywhere.” said Alon Matas, Founder and President, BetterHelp. “In the especially turbulent times we are all living in, mental health is a priority and WIRTH members can now be matched in under 24 hours and get help from their own licensed professional therapist.
Jakob Wirth dreamed of creating a hat company. He also struggled with depression. WIRTH Hats’ is a symbol for the importance of our mental health. These hats start the conversation and have been rightly deemed the ‘hug for your head.’
ABOUT BETTERHELP
BetterHelp is the world’s largest counseling service. We connect people facing life’s challenges with a counselor from our network of licensed, accredited, and board-certified therapists. Each month, over 2,000,000 counseling messages, chats, voice calls, and video sessions are facilitated through BetterHelp’s secure website and mobile app. Our mission is to provide everyone with easy, affordable, and private access to professional counseling, anytime, anywhere.
For more information, visit BetterHelp.com
ABOUT WIRTH Hats
WIRTH Hats is a hat company that cares about mental health, committed to ending the stigma around counselling & therapy. Our profits go towards supporting mental health initiatives. WIRTH Hats is a tribute to loved and lost friends. It’s a commitment to conversation and openness. We aim to break down barriers and promote open dialogue about mental health. The goal of WIRTH Hats is simple: we want everyone in the world to know they are not alone, and we believe owning a WIRTH Hat will help with that. By wearing a WIRTH Hat, we invite you to be open, to listen and to always remember – You’re #WirthIt.”
For more information, visit WIRTHHats.com.
CONTACT
For WIRTH Hats;
Alexander Hauerslev Jensen
alex@wirthhats.com