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Creating safe spaces for youth
Dec 20, 2016
SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
You don’t know him, but you have changed his life… helped him to realize that he’s not alone and ensured that he found help at the key moment when he might have lost his way.
‘Michael’ is a teen from Mississauga who, with his fellow classmates, attended a CMHA Youth Net workshop at their school. Youth Net provides a safe space for youth to discuss mental health, stress and coping strategies with peers in a open and non-judgemental environment. Our objectives are early intervention in mental illness and substance use, and mental health awareness and support for youth.
Michael sat quietly near the front of the room, and while he was attentive, he didn’t participate in the discussion. As Michael handed in his feedback form he caught the eye of our facilitator, and expressed a quick “thank you so much”. When she looked at his form – he’d written…
“It was really interesting. I learned that I may be suffering from some of these disorders. Things now make sense. It really helped.”
If Youth Net had not gone into his school that day, Michael may have been one of the many young people who continue to struggle in silence, without an understanding of what is happening inside them, slowly losing hope.
Instead, our facilitator quietly spoke to Michael, letting him know where to get help, and encouraging him to talk to his family and teachers.
Michael is now getting the help and support he needs.
75% of all adults report the onset of their mental illness in adolescence
Youth Net is just one of the programs and initiatives supported by your membership fees and donations to CMHA Peel Dufferin.
Your donations ensure that we can expand mental health support to so many struggling youth. Every dollar you donate can make the difference in saving a life like Michael’s. Please give generously.
WITH YOUR HELP, WE SAVE LIVES!
Donate today!