As the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for mental health services and support for our youth, YouthSpeak Performance Charity is hoping its online Zumba event tomorrow will provide needed funds for its expanded online resources.
ZoomBAM takes place Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m., featuring Zumba instructor Salha Aziz, replacing the charity agency's annual BAM event that was cancelled as a result of the pandemic emergency orders.
Tickets, which are $10 each, will go toward the youth bullying, addiction and mental health awareness programs now available online.
All ages and abilities are welcome, and prizes include $50 gift certificates for The Keg, Boston Pizza and The Ultimate Dining Card.
"The number of youth experiencing mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming," said founder and executive director Una Wright. "Anxiety is impacting even younger children and the stress and trauma of this current situation will remain after this is over."
The agency, whose youth speakers usually connect with young people in workshop and assemblies at schools in York Region, Toronto and Simcoe Country to promote mental health, well-being, empathy and hope.
With that avenue of connection put on hold with school closures, YouthSpeak is shifting its much needed services online, and needs the support of the community to help compensate for the loss of revenue.
You can sign up for ZoomBAM here, participating as an individual or invite friends to create a team. An event link will be sent to registrants.
YouthSpeak is offering weekly podcasts and Youtube videos Thursday afternoons, with its youth leader sharing personal stories, self-care strategies and messages of hope, resilience, inclusivity, respect, perseverance and empowerment.
Youth-By-Youth online workshops will be offered June 15 and 29 via Instagram Live @ YouthSpeakCan.
Building-A-Self-Care-Toolkit Workshop is offered June 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and June 20 from 10 to 11 a.m., a fun, interactive Workshop for Parents and Kids. Includes Workbook and printable Toolkit.
Youth Mental Health for Caring Adults is offered June 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. and June 25 from 7 to 8 p.m., a youth-led interactive with trained youth speakers who share their stories to increase understanding of issues relevant to today's youth such as anxiety, depression; bullying and social media, and tips to create a safe space for youth to talk.
School, community and group presentations can be booked by contacting Una Wright at 905-967-0604 or [email protected].
Online Self-Care Workshops for Caring Adults will be held June 11, with donations welcomed, in which YouthSpeak founder Una Wright facilitates an interactive workshop: learn tools for coping with everyday stress, tips to increase personal well-being, and fast-track to mental clarity during difficult life circumstances
