Anita Manley

Anita Manley is a passionate mental health advocate, volunteer, fundraiser, and founder of Ottawa Blues for Youth, a community event in support of The Royal. Drawing from her own lived experience and lifesaving care at The Royal, Anita has turned personal recovery into community action. Through Ottawa Blues for Youth, she brings together musicians, sponsors, businesses, volunteers, and donors to raise funds for youth suicide prevention through The Royal and to promote open conversations about mental health. Anita was also a long-time volunteer with The Royal’s Women’s Mental Health Program and co-founder of Journaling as a Wellness Tool, supporting recovery through connection and hope. Her leadership, authenticity, and generosity have inspired others to give, reduced stigma, and created lasting ripple effects across Ottawa’s mental health community.

Nominated by: The Royal