Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Every year, the first week of May is recognized as Children’s Mental Health Awareness week. This year’s theme, “Unmasking Mental Health,” reflects an ongoing commitment to increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and promoting awareness about topics related to mental health.
One of the ways the YRDSB is acknowledging this important week is by offering toolkits for parents/caregivers and students. We encourage you to take a look at the School Toolkit that supports educators and students, as part of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. These toolkits provide virtual workshops, activities, and strategies to encourage daily mental health practices through five themed days: Mindful Monday (May 5th), Thoughtful Tuesday (May 6th), Wellness Wednesday (May 7th), Take Care Thursday (May 8th), and Focus Friday (May 9th).
The Parent/Caregiver Toolkit includes themed mental health resources that parents/caregivers may utilize with their children, conversation starters on important mental health related topics, as well as links to recorded YRDSB Learning about Mental Health Presentations (LAMPS) on a variety of topics like anxiety, social media and mental health, and much more!
We are also excited to announce that Dr. Gillian White will be offering a free virtual presentation for parents/caregivers entitled Turning Stress into Success on May 8th from 6:00-7:00 PM. You can find more information about the presentation in our Parent/Caregiver Toolkit. If you are interested in attending this presentation, please register as space is limited. Online registration
We hope that you and your children will be able to utilize some of the resources and knowledge offered in the toolkits throughout Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond. For more information on children’s mental health trends in Ontario, visit School Mental Health Ontario, and review the Hear Now Ontario Survey Summary, that focuses on student experiences and ideas on how to build and sustain mental health promotion and knowledge.
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
Caregivers
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.
- 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, 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
