Getting Ready for Mental Health Awareness Week
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Every year, the first full week of May is designated as Mental Health Awareness Week by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). This annual event aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health across Canada. This year’s theme is Unmasking Mental Health. Unmasking mental health may be defined as increasing our mental health literacy, promoting positive mental health, reducing stigma around mental health, and understanding the resources available to us. In this edition we will focus on unmasking mental health and the tools made available by the YRDSB for parents and caregivers to support their children’s mental health.
One way the York Region District School Board is unmasking mental health is through its Student Mental Health and Addictions Strategy which aims to in part: advance students’ mental health and well-being through promotion of health and support when needed, in a way that honours the student where they are. This year’s theme could be an opportunity for you to pause and reflect and open a conversation with your child(ren) exploring the question: what does unmasking mental health mean to you and your child, recognizing the rich diversity of perspectives and understandings as it pertains to mental health within our student community.
Each year, the YRDSB recognizes mental health awareness week through a variety of activities and initiatives supporting its students within the classroom and parents/caregivers in the community. The Central Mental Health Team has prepared a toolkit that includes themed days and activities you can consider doing with your child in support of mental health and mental health awareness. These will be communicated through our website and social media channels closer to May, So, stay tuned! Additionally, the Team will be hosting a parent / caregiver evening presentation Stress and Healthy Lifestyle by Gillian White - register now . Be sure to follow the Central Mental Health Team on X and Instagram during this week.
Supportive Resources
For more community resources, check out: YRDSB Mental Health Resource Page
Continue to check out the YRDSB website for updated information as well as the X account @YRDSB and Instagram @mh_yrdsb.
Community Mental Health Events
Explore a variety of community programs and workshops designed to support mental health and well-bring for students, families, and caregivers.
Students
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
- T.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Workshop Series: The YSSI T.E.A.C.H. (Training, Empowerment, Advocacy, Counseling, Help) is an Afrocentric program that offers education on mental health and well-being practices for Black children/youth. The eight-week workshop series is on mental health for Black children/youth in grades 6-8.
- Registration: T.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Workshop Series
Doane House Hospice
- Monthly Art Studio Series: On the first Friday of every month, Doane House Hospice will be hosting a free art-making studio from 2:00pm-4:00pm for individuals navigating significant loss or challenging health circumstances. Participants can create art projects with provided supplies or bring their own. For more information, please contact Doane House Art Therapist Cynthia Gardner at cgardner@myhospice.ca or call 905 967 0259 ext. 155
- March Break Art Camp: The Doane House community hospice is offering a free March Break camp for children 7 to 12 who are experiencing grief. Contact cgardner@myhospice.ca or call 905 967 0259 ext. 155 for registration.
Caregivers
Supporting Your Child’s Well-being: Free webinars for Parents/Caregivers
- School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free, 5-part webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours.
- This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:
- The intersection of addictions and mental health
- Recognizing signs of substance use and addictive behaviours
- How to talk about substance use at home
- Current trends in student substance use in Ontario – What parents/caregiver need to know
- Technology overuse and problematic gaming
- Various dates and times available in April and May 2025.
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. The goal of this program is to destigmatize gender diversity
Yorkhills Centre for Children, Youth and Families
- Please visit Yorkhills Event Page, to find information on upcoming workshops available to the community both in-person and online.
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. Register online now.
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, Yen Lee, 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
Kate Phillips M.S.W., R.S.W.
Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health
