YMCA seeks partnerships for youth mental health programs
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YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is looking for organizations in Chatham-Kent and other areas to deliver a program meant to support mental health in youth.
The Y Mind program is intended for people aged 13 to 30 years of age who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression. It focusses on developing coping skills and improving overall well-being.
Chatham-Kent residents have been able to access the program virtually, but the organization is looking to expand it to offer it locally across the region.
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario has put out a call for “partner organizations” to operate the program by providing facilitators from their staff with experience in mental health or group facilitation.
The national YMCA organization has received $6.9 million from the federal government to expand the Y Mind program and another program called Mind Medicine. The second program is similar to Y Mind, but it has been developed specifically for Indigenous youth and will be implemented with Indigenous-serving organizations.
“We are very grateful for this funding provided through the Public Health Agency of Canada, that enables our Y to provide free, effective tools and support to youth who are facing negative mental health impacts, emerging from the pandemic,” Andrew Lockie, CEO of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, said in a news release.
“The YMCA is passionate about the health of young people, and especially providing the skills to act as a foundation for mental wellness.”
A news release from the federal government said the program is meant to address impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on young people related to social isolation, virtual learning challenges, job insecurity and financial hardships.
“It is essential that we increase the resources and remove the barriers to mental health supports for young people in Canada, especially those in underserved communities who have been disproportionately facing the negative impacts of the pandemic,” Carolyn Bennet, minister of mental health and addictions and associate health minister, said in the release.
“Today’s funding to the YMCA will help young people across Canada know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that through these evidence-based, youth-informed programs, more supports will be available.”
According to the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, the program has been “youth-informed” and has been adapted based on feedback.
“Evaluations from results show reductions in anxiety and increased sense of wellbeing following involvement in the program, and these changes are sustained even 3 months following the program,” the organization said in a release.
“Youth can access the Y Mind program at no cost, no diagnosis and no referral – we are focused on reducing stigma and increasing access to programs like this.”
Organizations can apply to deliver the program until Feb. 28. More information is available at www.ymcaswo.ca/news/expanding-y-mind-across-our-communities-call-partners.
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