Shine Out For Youth Mental Health

  

August 2022

Shine Out! Shout Out! Tournament in Support of Youth Mental Health to Return Sept. 10th

The Pandemic has had a significant impact on youth mental health, and Just Be You has continued to be there for youth who are struggling by providing much needed peer support.

And now, we are asking you to be there for youth on September 10, 2022, a date that coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day. 

It has been over two years since the last Shine Out! Shout Out! fundraiser because of the pandemic but the work of the Just Be You peer program for youth dealing with mental health concerns continued. During the Pandemic we continued the program virtually, given how important it is for youth to stay connected, not only with friends but also with community resources, and to have a safe place to hang out and have fun. The Pandemic showed us the harsh impact isolation, loss of social connection, and inability to do things that are part of everyday life (like school) on a young person’s mental well-being.

The Just Be You Peer Program

The Just Be You (JBY) peer support program was started as a means to fill the gap for youth for whom there is no effective transition from the youth to the adult mental health system. Co- designed with youth, JBY is unique in its offering as a weekly social-recreational peer program that runs all year. JBY provides a space for youth ages 15-25 to hang out, have fun, without fear of judgment or stigma, to socialize on their terms, and to just be you(th). To know that they are not alone at a time when they feel alone. Youth do not need a diagnosis to attend. The program is run in partnership with Support House through their Centre for Innovation in Peer Support.

JBY reaches youth that are socially isolated and/or facing multiple barriers of stigma, financial challenges, illness, or transportation. For some youth JBY is a safe entry point in seeking support for their mental health. Transportation is provided for youth that would otherwise not be able to attend and who would therefore remain isolated. Often there are barriers to accessing mental health programs such as where you live or whether you have a diagnosis; we didn't want to do that for this program. Youth choose what activities they want to do whether it is having someone to come in and speak with them; a community event; or even just hanging out, having fun and chatting with each other - all at no cost for the youth. Staff trained in mental health and peer support are available for check-ins and one-on-one chats.

 And the feedback shows the success the program is having.  JBY Participants have told us:

• “I have gained strong friendships...Those connections often carry me through the day because I get to remember the laughs we have...”
• “This group means a connection between friends, support, and welcoming, safe space."
• “This is the only place I have connections”
• “I look forward to JBY every week”
• “I never had friends or hung with people my age, I always thought I was weird, until I came to JBY; people are fun and welcoming. Plus, I love the staff they make it a safe space for me to just be me”
• “I love hanging around and just chatting....a positive anchor point in my week - especially a week when the bullying has been intense and my anxiety high “
• “JBY is the reason I am trying to better myself”

Parents/Health & Community Support have also told us:

• “My child talks about JBY all the time” (Parent)
• “This is such an important and amazing program...so happy it is available in our community...we have seen a real impact and the very real difference it makes. Thank you.”(Parent)
• “JBY is having a profound impact on youth” (Parent)
• “I am doing 35% of the work, you are doing the other 65%” – (Psychiatrist, Acute Care)

Tournament is key source of funding for JBY 

Funds raised at the annual Shine Out! Shout Out! adult recreational hockey tournament are the primary source of funds for JBY, and are supplemented by funding from individual donations and grants from organizations. 

Thanks to the Shine Out! Shout Out! tournament JBY has been able to provide 7+ years of weekly peer support to youth in Halton – that is more than 450 drop-in sessions. As well, JBY has assisted with numerous connections/referrals to mental health, addictions, housing, or social service supports.

Our Ask

Programs like JBY are needed more than ever and why we plan to grow this program. And this is where you come in. On September 10, 2022 we will be running our 8th annual Shine Out! Shout Out! hockey tournament at Canlan Ice Sports in Oakville to raise funds and raise awareness for youth mental health and the Just Be You peer support program. 

We are asking you to help make a huge difference in the lives of youth by making this our most memorable fundraising event and allowing us to make the most of a pledge of up matching up to $15,000  donations!

How can you Shine Out for Youth Mental Health?

Be a part of our story. Donate to the Just Be You Fund at the Oakville Community Foundation. Funds raised during Shine Out! Shout Out! are donated to the Just Be You program. 

Sponsorships still available.  By supporting our event, you will be recognized in all written material, including the day of the event, as well as on social media. Approximately 300-400 people attend the event in the past, including community leaders, and we have been covered by TV, radio and newspapers. This is a great way for you to be recognized as a community leader for youth mental health.

Be a part of our story, make a donation today to the Just Be You Fund in support of youth mental health and the Just Be You program. 

To contact us about sponsorships or donations, or if you would like to know about other ways you can contribute to this event contact us at 416-277-2767 or 1-800-637-1108 or information@shineshout.com or by visiting our website at www.shineshout.com.