'We are in fact in a mental health crisis': Algoma Family Services

Children’s Mental Health Week and Mental Health Awareness Week will be marked in May by raising awareness about the issue, sharing information on services and reducing stigma.

“There are over 28,000 children in the province of Ontario waiting for service, and this has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We are in fact in a mental health crisis," said Stephanie Fetherston, director of services, Algoma Family Services, in a news release. "More resources in terms of funding and staffing are desperately needed to ensure services are available. We urge you to use #MyStory and #CMHW2023 to share your story about why #kidscantwait to help us shine a spotlight or help address gaps in child and youth mental health care. Your voice matters.”

Algoma Family Services in partnership with Early ON, Nogdawindamin, Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, Rebound North, The New Northern Mentality, and Strong Minds are providing a hybrid environment of in-person and virtual activities and events across the District in recognition of Infant, Child, Youth, and Adult Mental Health Week from May 1-7.

The following is a list of activities/events planned for the week of May 1st. All activities/events will be held either virtually, in person, or both and posted to Facebook and Instagram. The theme of the week is ‘Survive & Thrive’

• May 1 Opening Ceremonies – Drumming, live on Nogdawindamin’s Social pages o 6-7:30 p.m. DrumFit with Rebound at Kina Awiiya – Registration required
• May 2, 2 p.m. – Children’s Yoga with EarlyOn at Rosedale - register at www.keyon.ca., 6:30 p.m. – RDI Training in person at Nogdawindamin & Virtual
• May 3, 2 p.m. - Children’s Yoga with EarlyOn at Holy Angels and story time with the SSM Public Library - register at www.keyon.ca.
• May 4, World Maternal Mental Health Day 9:30 - 4:30 p.m. – Community Mental Health Event Collins Hall – Elliot Lake
• May 5 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Expresso Café with The New Northern Mentality at Rosedale
• May 6, 6th Annual Strong Minds 5K Run at the Canal District to register, please visit Strong Minds - Run for Change
• May 8, Closing Ceremonies – Drumming, live on Nogdawindamin’s Social pages

“The evidence is clear, the pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the mental health of our children and youth," said Ali Juma, CEO, Algoma Family Services. "Demand for services is at an all-time high. The longer children and youth have to wait for services, the more challenging their issues become. We are proud to work with our community partners to make access to service easier with the launch of our Youth Wellness Hub this spring, and the opening of our Live-in Treatment program in May for those youth experiencing severe mental health challenges.

"We greatly encourage the community to join in on our planned awareness activities, have some fun, and learn more about mental health and the services available."