CHEO program working with teens to destigmatize mental illness
A recent initiative out of CHEO's YouthNet program is working to destigmatize mental illness in the younger generation.
The organization has launched a Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC), which looks to better connect youth with its mental health programming.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The YAC acts as a peer-to-peer liaison. Its 10 teen members work to build trust with youth in schools and out in the community until they are ready to ask for help from professionals.
"We're still noticing youth are turning to their friends and their peers, rather than parents or other health care professionals," says YouthNet Program Coordinator Fiona Cooligan.
"They can help me and I can help them," explained YAC Leader Lilli Green. "It's such a good process and I'd say every organization who works with youth needs it."
While helping connect younger people with YouthNet's programs, the YAC also gives its members a head start in mental health-related fields
"We can do everything from hiring young people and giving them actual real experiences, to giving them mentorship opportunities and training them in areas where they otherwise wouldn't get that support," said Cooligan.
Sheata Ahmed is a former volunteer for YouthNet. She signed on after moving to Ottawa while still in high school.
"I knew I was interested in mental health-related things and it just looked like a lot of young people doing cool stuff," she said.
It was not long before she started accessing the organization's services – specifically its eight-week 'Mindfulness' program, which focusses on self-care through yoga and peer-to-peer conversations.
"I had really bad social anxiety, but this place helped me get through that and it was so welcoming. It was so easy."
Ahmed used her lived experience to join the YAC and help other teens on their own journeys – aiding YouthNet staff in their intervention programs.
"It was just super engaging," she said. "I had never come across something like this – an organization, a community where they really empower youth and give them a place to speak and express themselves."
The Youth Advocacy Committee is almost entirely funded through community donations. Your support helps the children and youth at CHEO. Visit cheofoundation.com and donate today.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Baby, grandparents among 4 people killed in wrong-way police chase on Ontario's Hwy. 401
A police chase which started with a liquor store robbery in Bowmanville Monday night ended in tragedy some 20 minutes later when a suspect fleeing police entered Highway 401 in the wrong direction and caused a pileup which killed an infant and the child's grandparents, as well as the suspect, investigators say.
McGill requests 'police assistance' over pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University says it has 'requested police assistance' about the pro-Palestinian encampment on its lower field.
Freeland tables motion previewing omnibus budget bill
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling yet another omnibus bill to pass the sweeping range of measures promised in her April 16 federal budget.
Judge holds Trump in contempt, fines him US$9,000 and raises threat of jail in hush money trial
Donald Trump was held in contempt of court Tuesday and fined US$9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to his New York hush money case. If he does it again, the judge warned, he could be jailed.
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Court upholds Milwaukee police officer's firing for posting racist memes after Sterling Brown arrest
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a former Milwaukee police officer was properly fired for posting racist memes related to the arrest of an NBA player that triggered a public outcry.
New cancer treatment approved, but not everyone thinks it's what's best for patients
A new cancer treatment recently approved in Canada promises to cut treatment time down to just minutes, but experts have differing opinions on whether it's what's best for patients.
T. rex is at the centre of a debate over dinosaur intelligence
Surmising even the physical appearance of a dinosaur - or any extinct animal - based on its fossils is a tricky proposition, with so many uncertainties involved. Assessing a dinosaur's intelligence, considering the innumerable factors contributing to that trait, is exponentially more difficult.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.