Our local Children’s Mental Health Agency encourages you to raise awareness during a special time of year.
The Pheonix Centre is celebrating National Child and Youth Mental Health Day this Tuesday, part of Children’s Mental Health Week, by promoting the importance of the mental health and well-being needs of young people.
Executive Director Sue Kennedy says that recent data shows that mental health challenges make up four of the top ten reasons for hospitalizations among 5- to 17-year-olds in Ontario.
She adds that they serve over 1500 clients annually in the Ottawa Valley, but they know that many more children, youth, and their families are still waiting and must not be left to face those challenges alone.
All week long, the Phoenix Centre is encouraging our community to have bold and compassionate conversations about young people’s mental health to help destigmatize mental health challenges.
(written by Kasey Egan)