The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Sudbury is offering a free eight-week course designed to help youth aged 13 to 18 build mental health and wellness skills. The program, Living Life to the Full for Youth, begins on April 2 and will take place in person at the CMHA office on Elm Street. Each weekly session will last 90 minutes.
Building Mental Health Skills Through Cognitive Behavioural Techniques
The course uses cognitive behavioural techniques in a group setting, aimed at providing participants with tools to better navigate life’s challenges. Madisynn Cowan, the course facilitator and a youth mental health court outreach worker with CMHA, emphasized the interactive and fun nature of the program, stating, “We’ll be supporting youth in a fun and interactive way.” The goal is to help youth recognize negative thought patterns and break those cycles.
Addressing the Growing Need for Youth Mental Health Support
Cowan also highlighted the increasing demand for youth mental health support, referencing a State of Mental Health Canada study that found hospitalization rates among youth aged 14 to 17 have increased by 136% in recent years. She pointed out that the pandemic has had a particularly significant impact on youth, with many struggling with social isolation and missing out on essential life skills.
An Adapted Program with Practical Strategies for Youth
The Living Life to the Full for Youth program was developed by Dr. Chris Williams, a psychiatrist from the United Kingdom, and later adapted for Canadian audiences by CMHA’s British Columbia division. Cowan praised the program’s structure and materials, calling them “amazing.” The course will provide youth with practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and improving overall well-being.
Free Registration and Limited Space
Registration for the course is free, and there is still space available for interested participants. The CMHA encourages youth in Sudbury to sign up for this valuable opportunity to gain skills for managing mental health and building resilience in a supportive environment.
Related topics:
