In a bid to bolster youth mental health, a community-wide skating event is slated to take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, spearheaded by the youth initiative at CFS Counselling + Wellbeing and made possible through a Youth United grant from United Way Simcoe County (UWSM).
Ayla McCallum, the youth lead at CFS, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, inviting the entire community to partake in a last-chance winter celebration while rallying behind local youth mental health initiatives. Rather than implementing an entrance fee, organizers are encouraging attendees to contribute donations to bolster resources for the YouthCALL outreach van.
Established in 2020 by CFS in collaboration with various organizations throughout Simcoe County, YouthCALL serves as a vital gateway to mental health and well-being services for local youth aged 12 to 25. According to Amanda Fellows, program manager at CFS, the pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health challenges among young people, underscoring the significance of initiatives like YouthCALL.
Fellows emphasized YouthCALL’s evidence-based, youth-centric approach, which prioritizes holistic well-being and acknowledges the importance of addressing basic needs alongside mental health concerns. Beyond facilitating access to mental health resources, the program also distributes essential items such as clothing, food, and hygiene products, fostering a supportive environment for meaningful conversations about mental health.
In her capacity at CFS, McCallum plays a pivotal role in YouthCALL’s volunteer youth advisory council, which guides the development and implementation of the program’s inclusive initiatives. With the backing of her colleagues and council members, she secured a Youth United grant to fund the upcoming skating event, underscoring the empowering nature of UWSM’s youth-oriented funding initiatives.
McCallum highlighted the multifaceted benefits of physical activity and social engagement in alleviating stress and enhancing resilience, emphasizing the event’s potential to positively impact both local youth and the broader community.
For those unable to participate in skating, alternative avenues for support are available, including drop-off locations for donation items. Contributions can also be made before or after the event at CFS’s Barrie office located at 20 Anne St. S.
