In a collaborative effort to improve youth mental health care, Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca and OUTLoud have partnered to bring vital mental health services directly to young people in a safe and welcoming environment.
Every Wednesday evening, a qualified crisis worker from Hands’ Child and Youth Mental Health team will be available at OUTLoud, a community space dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth. This partnership aims to offer support and guidance to young people who might otherwise struggle to access mental health care.
Seth Compton, executive director and founder of OUTLoud, emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting, “Mental health supports have always been important at OUTLoud, and having a trained and experienced crisis worker on-site is incredibly valuable for our members. While society has made progress, stigma still persists around sexual orientation and seeking mental health support. It’s wonderful to have Hands’ expertise readily available in a space where kids feel comfortable exploring their feelings.”
Jennifer Moore, director of child and youth mental health at Hands, highlighted the importance of meeting youth where they are, both physically and emotionally. “Effective support starts with reducing the burden on youth to seek help and focusing on delivering services in spaces where they feel comfortable and accepted,” Moore said.
Statistics from Child and Youth Mental Health Ontario reveal the gravity of the youth mental health crisis:
62% of Ontario youth report concerns about anxiety, yet only 32% have sought help from a mental health professional.
One in five children and youth in Ontario will experience a mental health problem, with 83% of those not receiving the necessary treatment.
28% of students report not knowing where to turn for mental health support.
Canada has the third-highest youth suicide rate in the industrialized world, with LGBTQ youth facing a suicide risk 14 times higher than their heterosexual peers.
Moore further stressed, “Many young people face barriers to accessing mental health support, including stigma, transportation issues, and a lack of trust in traditional care settings. Meeting youth in spaces where they already feel safe and accepted is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring they receive the help they need.”
This partnership reflects a growing commitment to addressing the mental health needs of youth, particularly in marginalized communities, by creating accessible and supportive environments.
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