Filling a gap for youth mental health support

Every young person in our community should have access to mental health and wellness support, right here at home. Whether it’s through a school initiative or a private program, by connecting and engaging with our young people we can not only give them a mentor but also help them build skills for the future.

Our Child and Youth team is actively working with our local school districts to fill a mental health and wellness gap. We are providing support for classrooms and getting in front of kids who need to build resilience and a stronger foundation for the future.

One of our top priorities for 2022 is to elevate the opportunities for children and youth in Wood Buffalo for mental health and wellness support. From one-on-one counselling, to group support programs, mindfulness, mentorship and more, we are continually expanding our range of support and services that are specifically geared for children under the age of 18.

I invite you to stay connected with us as we grow this program even more and if you are looking for specific support for a young person in your life - please reach out. We want to work with the community to create programs and initiatives that directly support those who need it most.

As we shift into the holiday season, please note that while our office will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4, our Crisis Line remains available 24/7 at 780-743-HELP (4357).

From the entire SOS team, we wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year!

Thank you,

Jason King
Executive Director

A global crisis: child and youth mental health

It’s no secret the pandemic has had life-changing mental health impacts on many of our young community members. Now we’re seeing more and more research that really drives home the point.

According to a 2021 report, prior to COVID, approx. 8.5 per cent of young people were dealing with depression and 11.6 per cent for anxiety. Now we’re seeing depression hitting close to 24 per cent and anxiety levels are around 19 per cent of the young population.

We encourage you to read this full report (click the button below) to learn more about what young people are dealing with. If you have a child or youth in your life who is struggling, reach out. We have extensive service and support available.

January is Mentoring Month in Alberta

“In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” – Phil Collins

It’s the perfect summation of mentoring and the experience for both the mentor and mentee. It’s about learning and growth for everyone involved and the impacts are clear.

With a mentor, young people are 52 per cent less likely to skip school and 130 per cent more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or team.

Follow us on social media through January to learn more about the power of mentorship in our community.

Support for LGBTQ+ community members

Do you have a young person in your life who is struggling with coming out? Or maybe you’re not sure how to support your child who is transgender or non-binary.

These can be difficult, dynamic situations in your life and it’s important to know that support is available - for both of you!

We’ve put together some resources on LGBTQ+ support for both adults and young people that can help.

On the blog

Support SOS

We are here to work together as a community to empower and elevate individuals and families to deal with life’s challenges. Mental wellness affects each and every one of us. Your donation can directly impact the life of a neighbour, friend or loved one.