Do you want to support to a young person struggling with mental health issues but don’t know where to turn for pertinent information?
YouthSpeak Performance Charity is presenting a Youth Mental Health Awareness evening for parents and caring adults Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Newmarket Theatre from 7 to 9 p.m.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately one in five children and youth in Ontario has faced or will face a mental health challenge. It is important that parents, educators and community leaders learn how to identify these challenges to help youth cope and face life with confidence.
"Our goal for this event is to give parents and other caring adults hope, tips and tools to help with their kids. It's a tough world to raise kids today and we are all just trying to do our best. Hearing from youth how to create a safe space for them to talk is so important in building relationships and supporting them,” said Una Wright, YouthSpeak founder and team coach.
The evening features a panel of trained youth speakers who will inspire hope and empathy through their personal stories about topics such as positive mental health, bullying prevention and addiction and recovery.
“Growing up, I struggled with a family life where addiction was present. I bottled up my feelings and strived for perfection. I never felt good enough and suffered with depression and anxiety,” said Sara Kokinos, lead youth facilitator and one of the speakers scheduled for the Feb. 20 event. “Years later, I was using unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with my inner turmoil.”
After a friend died by suicide and she experienced a trauma in her early adult years, Kokinos said she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“The ups and downs are still a struggle but now I understand how to cope and what steps I need to take to be the best version of me. Living with a mental health condition will always affect my life but it does not have to define it.”
YouthSpeak Performance Charity’s Youth Mental Health Awareness event will also include:
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An interactive question-and-answer period;
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A presentation by York Regional Police on how to protect youth from cyberbullying;
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A spoken word/beatbox performance by UNITY Charity;
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Community youth service agency Information booths;
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A healthy bake sale promoting a healthy mind and healthy body;
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Raffle for prizes including Toronto Marlies ticket
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.newtix.ca or at the door at Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Cres.
Since its inception in 2003, YouthSpeak has reached more than 200,000 students, parents, teachers and community groups through interactive and engaging youth-led assemblies, conferences and workshops tailored to specific school/group/event needs.
“When our youth team is in schools, their main objective is to create awareness for kids who are struggling so they know they are not alone and encourage them to ask for help. Also, to increase empathy and understanding in others and give a message of kindness, respect and most of all, hope,” Wright said.
To learn more about YouthSpeak Performance Charity or to book an event, call 905-967-0604, email [email protected] or visit www.youthspeak.ca
