Youth Summit for Mental Health

This free event is for youth ages 12-19, an inclusive space for individuals to attend and engage in social activities that discuss mental health and mental well-being. Participants are welcome to invite a friend!

The day begins with youth meeting, interacting and participating in social activities. Participants will be engaged in opening ceremonies and invited to choose workshops to attend through out the day that are of interest to them and their personal learning goals. Participants will break up into smaller groups to attend workshops then return to a larger group for end of day/ closing ceremonies.

Lunch and refreshments for the day are included. There will be some structured discussion and lots of opportunities for interaction and artistic expression, individuals are invited to participate at their own comfort level. There will be an opportunity to engage in an art project (banner) as a collective.

The workshops are approximately 45 minutes in length. Workshops are led by a youth facilitator and an adult mentor will be present. Youth facilitators are members of community who are actively involved in the community, school and local social networks.

Workshop topics include Self-Care and Mindfulness; Identity and Self-Expression; Mental Health and Cultural Stigma; Stress Management, Autism and Communication; Intersections of Identity and Mental Health; Healthy Relationships; Accessing Resources and Building a Support Network; Community Engagement. Additional workshops include Arts and Crafts for Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Diversity and Inclusion Pins; as well as a Word Art Activity and Hip Hop Dance workshop with local artist Chris Bennett. Workshops will provide psychoeducation, creative and safe space to talk, express opinions, opportunity to explore social activism and to consider how youth can manage their mental health, reduce stigma about mental health, support peers and their community.

Interested participants are asked to register through Eventbrite, search “Youth Summit for Mental Health” or to contact Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre at 613-962-0000 ext.0. By registering for the event this will help with purchasing items for the day such as food, materials for activities and swag bag items. Please ensure to share your name, phone number and if you have any food sensitivities/ allergies organizers should be aware of when you register.