New Path Youth & Family Services (New Path) is celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) from May 3-9 by asking everyone in Simcoe County to Shine Green. The colour green is used to celebrate child and youth mental health as it represents hope, growth, and transformation. The child and youth mental health provider and Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe County is inviting everyone to wear green and to download and share tips for mental wellness through a free, downloadable bubbles for mental health comic page available from www.newpath.ca/cmhw2021. Families are invited to hang the finished bubbles in their windows and share the pictures on social media using the hashtag #CMHW2021 #shinegreen #kidscantwait and tagging New Path @NewPathYFS.
“The bubbles for mental health comic pages are really our way of continuing the conversation about the importance of mental wellness and talking about mental health,” says Elizabeth McKeeman, CEO of New Path Youth & Family Services. “This has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone and although there is light at the end of the tunnel, sharing tips and building community virtually continues to be exceptionally important.”
Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth across Ontario has a diagnosable mental health disorder. If left untreated, these can lead to serious long-term consequences for children or youth and their families. By raising awareness through CMHW, we can decrease the stigma and increase awareness of the importance of getting early mental health supports.
“Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Simcoe County counts on the leadership and partnerships with New Path to put children, youth and families first as we know that more than half of all mental health conditions show up before the age of 18,’ says Dr. Valerie Grdisa, CEO of CMHA Simcoe County. “We work together on many initiatives throughout the region knowing that the more we collaborate and integrate our efforts, the more likely our children and youth will face better futures.”
About New Path Youth & Family Services
New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. We are an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of innovative and timely services for children, youth and their families. We are the Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth and their families seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.
New Path is currently offering call-in, in-person and virtual mental health services for children, youth and their families in Simcoe County. A range of free mental health services are offered by professional counsellors. Families can access a range of free counselling and therapy services by calling or emailing New Path at 705-725-7656.
To learn more about New Path Youth and Family Services, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services Twitter: @NewPathYFS Instagram: @NewPathYFS or sign up for our TrailSigns Newsletter