Bell Let’s Talk Day: Focus on youth mental health, eastern Ontario hubs responding

Wednesday marks the 15th anniversary of Bell Let’s Talk Day, and the spotlight this year is on the growing youth mental health crisis in Canada.

A report from Health Canada shows 1.25 million young people need help with their mental health in the country, noting that one in two youths are not getting the help they need.

In Ontario, youth wellness hubs are trying to fill the gaps in the youth mental health and substance use system. Kim Macleod, service director of addictions treatment service at the Renfrew Wellness Hub told CTV Morning Live Wednesday the hub works collectively with different partners in the community to help guide 12 to 25-year-olds.

“And what we try to do is wrap around those services, so the youth is really at the core,” she said.

“We hear all the time from youths in our county ‘we’re not sure where to turn for help. We’re not sure how to navigate services.’ So, the hub is there. If they come and they’re looking for services, we then do that work for them to connect them to the services that they’re asking for, or for the treatment that they’re looking for as well.”

What is the response so far in the Renfrew County and Pembroke, Ont. hubs?

Macleod says the response has been positive, noting the support from the community.

“It has been wonderful. The community has embraced it. And most importantly, the youths have embraced it,” she added.

She says direct feedback from youths has also been positive, pointing out the easy access for them to get the services they need. She says that they’ve expressed feelings of being welcome, respected and not judged.

What are the services that the youths are looking for?

Some of the services the Pembroke and Renfrew County hubs offer are mental health support, substance abuse treatment, primary health care and social support, she says.

“All (services are) evidence-based and measurement-based care,” Macleod said. “We have navigation services. We have peer support services.”

Recreation activities are also among the services the two hubs offer. Macleod says that those activities have been an “entry point” for some youths, noting that they access the other services after becoming more comfortable with the hubs’ “model.”

“We’ve designed our entry system by the feedback we’ve received from youths,” she said.

Youths are encouraged to contact the hubs directly by calling, texting or dropping by in person to access the services.

• Renfrew Country Youth Wellness Hub

She says challenges and experiences are different between rural and urban communities. Transportation is one of the biggest challenges for those living in rural areas, she says.

“We even see a difference between our Pembroke and Renfrew communities,” she said.

She says wellness hub has put a van in service to provide transportation services.

The van picks up youths from their homes to access the services they need.

Macleod says their services are inclusive, non-judgmental and a safe space for everyone.

Bell Let’s Talk has partnered with more than 1,500 organizations since its launch in 2010. It has provided mental health services, including hospitals, universities, local community service providers and other care and research organizations throughout the country.

This year, Bell is inviting people across the country to donate $5 to youth mental health, which will match up to $1 million. Canadians are encouraged to participate in a national text-to-donate campaign with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to six youth mental health organizations, including Integrated Youth Services, Jack.org, Kids Help Phone, National Association of Friendship Centres, Strongest Families Institute and Youth In Mind Foundation.

To donate, text “YOUTH” to 45678.