YMCA Canada has announced a $6.9 million funding investment from the Public Health Agency of Canada. With this investment, the YMCA of Three Rivers there is now a new early intervention program called Y Mind.
In 2021, a 40 per cent increase in youth accessing mental health services reported by the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington.
The Y Mind program is free and aims to help youth with early-intervention coping skills and help them navigate the mental health system.
The YMCA of Three Rivers is offering two, free seven-week Y Mind programs for teens and youth, experiencing anxiety, and stress.
“Mental health and well-being are pressing needs for youth in our community,” shares Jen Hutchinson, manager, Y Mind, YMCA of Three Rivers.
“We’re excited to be able to help youth learn positive coping strategies and access the supports they need through Y Mind, which focuses on providing youth and young adults the tools they need to effectively manage stress and anxiety, while connecting with youth in supportive, inclusive, welcoming, and safe spaces,” said Hutchinson.
“This funding has allowed us to offer programs to ensure that anyone across our Three Rivers communities is able to access vital supports and early interventions,” said Marika Chandler, vice president, community programs, YMCA of Three Rivers.
“Y Mind teaches participants evidence-based coping skills while connecting with peers who have shared experiences. Through Y Mind, participants gain the language and skills needed to help them navigate and seek out more community mental health services and supports if and when their concerns worsen,” said Chandler.
