Following in Olympian Clara Hughes’ footsteps, pro golfer Andrew Jensen is lending his voice to benefit mental health in Canada.

The Ottawa native is Bell Canada’s 2015 ambassador for its Let’s Talk Campaign.

Jensen struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts through his teenage years, and even left the golf scene for a time.

Now, he’s the face of mental health awareness for Bell Let’s Talk.

In Whitehorse this morning, the right-handed golfer presented an oversized cheque of $30,000 to a new Yukon mental health program – Living Life to the Full.

“I’m very, very honoured and proud to be here,” Jensen said at a press conference this morning at the Westmark hotel.

“It’s quite ironic that a professional golfer gets to present an oversized cheque.”

Jensen said the program will affect lives in the territory for the better, noting he didn’t come North to put the spotlight on himself.

“I’m not really here to talk about myself today,” he said. “My story is not too dissimilar from the people that you guys are helping in the Yukon.

“Just because I play golf and have a platform, depression and my struggles are no different than the struggles people have in this part of the country.”

Jensen said the fact his story resonates with people as far away as Yukon is a humbling experience.

Spearheaded by the non-profit Mental Health Association of Yukon, the program will begin as a one-year pilot project under executive director Juliette Anglehart-Zedda.

The group recently conducted a needs assessment and developed a plan to bring the program here.

Various community groups formed partnerships to help, while Bell Canada, Northwestel, the Yukon government and the Community Development Fund signed on as major sponsors.

Together, the funders will contribute $85,000.

“We cannot underplay the importance of good mental health to our well-being,” said Health and Social Services Minister Mike Nixon, who referred to Jensen as a “true champion.”

“Programs like this help create awareness and acceptance and should make it a little easier for individuals with mental health issues.

“I believe that by working together, we can truly make a difference.”

The group course is based on cognitive behaviour therapy developed by British doctor Chris William and can be compared to a confidence-boosting, group-coaching program.

It teaches members about the impact of their thinking, emotions, physical sensations and actions.

The eight-session, 12-hour program will be administered in small groups.

Ray Wells is the chair of the nine-member board of directors.

“This evidence-based program will provide the tools that will benefit Yukoners wishing to improve their mental health,” he said. “We are thrilled to have the support of government and the private sector to pilot this important program in Yukon.

“We would also like to congratulate Bell Let’s Talk for another five years and its new funding commitment of at least $100 million across the country.”

Northwestel president Paul Flaherty said he really appreciates star athletes like Jensen and Hughes sharing their personal experiences.

Flaherty also said he wants mental health to be a pillar of his company’s community outreach going forward.

The course is not only open to those struggling with stress, anxiety and depression, but also those hoping to benefit by acquiring those life skills.

The course will begin being offered at month’s end in Whitehorse, Carcross and Haines Junction, with video-conferencing slated to occur in Dawson City and Watson Lake.