Making progress at the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub

Imagine the bullies follow you home and social media makes it impossible to escape? Imagine you do not have a home or safe place to go at the end of the day? Imagine you have a supportive family, great friends, are accepted into the university of your dreams but you still cannot get out of bed in the morning? Imagine facing mental illness when you are only 12 years old?

Now, imagine a place where youth of different ages, experiences and struggles can find help without barriers, lineups and referrals. Imagine if suicide was not the second leading cause of death for youth ages 12-25. Imagine if all youth were able to access mental health services, not just 1 in 5.

The North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub is a leap forward towards these goals. A safe place designed for youth, with youth and their families involved in the planning and design. A collaboration of youth organizations across the region filling gaps in the youth mental health system, making it easier to get help.

One of 10 across the province, the Hub is a fully integrated “one-stop-shop” for youth to address their needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education/employment/training, housing and other community and social services. It also includes peer services, outreach and system navigation. It’s a model that has been proven to resonate with young people, family members and service providers.

Slated to join the other programs in the new CHIGAMIK Waypoint Health Hub currently under construction on Midland’s Bayshore Dr., the Hub has just opened the doors at their interim location in the Fireside Lounge at the HERO Centre.

The team has been busy building the foundation for the program, engaging with youth and families and getting their space set up. Visit the team on May 15th from 1 to 4 p.m. at Georgian Bay District Secondary School’s Wellness Fair at Little Lake Park.

JOIN THE YOUTH WELLNESS HUB TEAM

The Hub is seeking youth and their families as volunteer committee members. A great way to get engaged in the community and help shape the future of the Hub.

Diverse representation is wanted for the following committees:
* Family Advisory
Committee
* Evaluation Committee
* Youth Advisory
Committee (all ages)
* Service Provision
Committee

Email [email protected] for more info.