The Youth Wellness Hub that opened in the YMCA on Durham Street this week aims to “address the diverse needs” of young people between the ages of 12 and 25.
At the hub, young people can access a wide range of free services, including mental health support, primary care, substance use counselling, employment support, system navigation and other community and social services.
"After years of hard work, we are proud to open our doors to youth in our community. Youth have long faced systemic challenges to accessing services, and the hub is a centralized space for a wide variety of social and health service organizations to provide comprehensive care and support," said Mark Fraser, executive director of Compass, which provides mental health services to young people (the agency used to be called the Child and Family Centre).
"By offering a wide range of services under one roof, we are removing barriers and making it easier for young people to access the support they need."
The lead agency for the hub is Compass, but it was developed in partnership with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. Local community organizations and health-care providers will offer services in the space, a press release on the opening states.
The hub will foster “a welcoming and inclusive environment” and host workshops, group activities and skill-building programs “designed to empower youth, enhance their life skills, and foster social connections.” This could be anything from Pride events to yoga and movie nights.
To help with the creation of the hub, a $25,000 donation was made by Ontario Court Justice Normand Glaude.
“In Northern Ontario, access to mental health and social support for youth is limited, and donations like this will significantly impact young people in our community,” stated the press release. Many youth go without essentials like food, personal hygiene products and clothing, and now they can access these items free at the hub.”
The hub’s operations will need community donations to ensure youth have access to necessary resources. Interested individuals can kindly make a donation by visiting the Compass website.
Youth can visit the hub in person or contact the team at [email protected] or 705-280-7581 to learn more about available services and support.
The hub is open Monday to Friday, 12-7p.m.
