Resilience

Welcome to Fall!

As we enter the new season and the school year gains momentum, it is an important time to focus on the well-being of our students and families. World Mental Health Day on Thursday October 10th, is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking care of ourselves. This edition will highlight events, resources, and strategies to support wellness in our school communities and at home.

One way to support student mental health and well-being is by promoting personal resilience. Continuing to build skills to manage stress, challenges, and setbacks without becoming overwhelmed can help students recover more quickly from tough situations like school stress, adversity, conflicts with friends, or changes in their environment. 

Building resilience looks different for everyone. For some, building resilience might involve connecting with family, friends, faith or cultural groups. For others, it might involve maintaining a balanced diet, staying active or getting enough sleep. We can also support our kids to be resilient by helping them identify and manage difficult emotions, and by reminding them of the things they have to be grateful for. In some situations, you can help your child build resilience by helping them problem solve when they encounter challenging circumstances. There are many strategies you can use to build resilience. Choose the one that feels right for you and your family.    

Parents and caregivers are invited to visit School Mental Health Ontario for their latest resources on student mental health well-being.

Student Information and Resources

The YRDSB Central Mental Health Team is proud to be offering the Learning about Mental Health Presentation Series (LAMPS). The objective of the series is to promote and enhance mental health literacy. Throughout the school year there will be in-person opportunities for students and virtual sessions for parents/guardians. Check back to the Newsletter for updates. 

Supportive Resources

Mental Health Resources in York Region  

YorkHills Here to Help Line (905-503-9561) 

• The Here to Help Line is a free service available to children/youth (0-18 years) and their parents/caregiver/adult supporters. 
• Monday to Thursday from 2:00pm-7:00p.m 

Family Services York Region (905-895-2371)

• Virtual walk in is offered on a first come, first serve basis. 
• It can be accessed once per month. Virtual appointments can be 15 minutes to 1.5 hours long depending on needs. 
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

CMHA BounceBack Ontario

• Do you feel that maybe you could benefit from some support? BounceBack® provides resources to support learning new skills, including a trained coach who can provide up to six telephone sessions. 
• BounceBack Coaching is available through the provincial Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program. 
• Offered to youth aged 15-17 and adults 18+.

YRDSB Mental Health Resource Page 

• Continue to check out the YRDSB website for updated information as well as the X account @YRDSB 
• Follow YRDSB Mental Health on Twitter @MH_YRDSB

Community Mental Health Events

Students

York Services Support Network

• Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) 

Kerry's Place Autism Services 

• Services & Supports – Events 

Caregivers

Yorkhills Centre for Children, Youth and Families

• Thu, Oct 10, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Triple P Seminar #1 - The Power of Positive Parenting 
• Thu, Oct 17, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Triple P Seminar #2 - Raising Confident Competent Children 
• Tue, Oct 22, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Enhancing Social Skills for Children and Youth with ASD
• Wed, Oct 23, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Exploring and Understanding the Inattentive Brain
• Thu, Oct 24, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Triple P Seminar #3 - Raising Resilient Children   

Family Services York Region

• Free To Be
  • Third Wednesday of Each Month, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  • This is a free virtual group for parents/caregivers of gender diverse children, regardless of age which meets once a month. Free to Be offers an opportunity to meet for support and education. The goal of this program is to destigmatize gender diversity

Kinark Autism Services  

• Upcoming Events- Child, Youth & Family Autism Programs in Ontario

PFlag 

• Coffee Night, held every second Monday of the month, is a safe space where members of the LGBTQ2 community, their friends, family or allies can come together. 
• Online Registration

This edition of the newsletter was written by the Student Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Implementation Team 2024-2025, inclusive of YRDSB School Social Workers Ruth Damdar, Kate Phillips, Peter Reid and Kymani Spence. 

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, M.Sc., C. Psych. Assoc. 

• Mental Health Lead 

Paula Vicente M.S.W., R.S.W.

• Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health