If you know a young person with an emerging mental health or addiction concern, you can refer the young person to the YWC by clicking here.
If you are a friend, family member, or support person of a young person experiencing mental health difficulties, it is never too early to #ReachOut.
At the Youth Wellness Centre, we see family as “collaborators” and want to work with you to support your family member who has accessed services.
Research tells us that when family members are involved in the early intervention, treatment and recovery process, the youth’s long-term outcomes significantly improve. We also see less disengagement and drop-out from services. Additionally, family involvement has numerous outcomes for the family, such as: experiencing less stress and disruption, being better able to cope with the youth’s illness and feeling more empowered to support their loved one!
At the YWC, a family member refers to anyone the youth deems as “family”! This could include: parents, siblings, partner, friend, roommate etc…
Types of Support Families Can Receive at the YWC
- Education and information about mental health and addictions
- Skills and strategies to help support your loved one
- Family Psychoeducation group
- Information about supports and services available in the community
- Communication skills and problem-solving
- Safety and crisis planning. If you or your family member are in crisis, please contact COAST for Crisis Support.
- Self-care
- A safe, non-judgmental space to talk and share
Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about how I can support you.
Carrie Stevenson
Family Educator
905-522-1155 x36249
casteven@stjoes.ca