New Path Youth & Family Services (New Path) is celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) 2020 from May 3-9, by asking everyone in Simcoe County to Shine Green for children’s mental health. 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, colour and share a free colouring page for mental health. Families are invited to hang them in their windows and share the pictures on social media using the hashtag #CMHW2020 #shinegreen and tagging New Path @NewPathYFS. The colouring page is available to download from: www.newpath.ca/CMHW2020. Some local municipalities including Springwater Township will be lighting up their municipal building green and City of Barrie Councillors will be wearing green next week.
“The colour green and the green ribbon are used to celebrate child and youth mental health as it represents hope, growth, and transformation,” says Elizabeth McKeeman, CEO New Path Youth & Family Services. “This is an especially challenging time for families and we hope that these activities will connect us virtually and encourage conversations about mental health at this difficult time.”
Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in 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.
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 has shifted from in-person to call-in mental health services for children, youth and their families in Simcoe County. A range of free mental health services are offered by professional counsellors. The switch in service delivery means that families can access a range of free counselling and therapy services by calling New Path at 705-725-7656.