TRANSFORMING SPACES. TRANSFORMING LIVES.

We’re answering the urgent needs of our youth with a bold and unprecedented vision of care and support. We, Wellington & Guelph, are leading the way to a new standard in youth services. By transforming spaces and creating an integrated network of sites designed to provide real care and services, we will transform the lives of the youth in our community.

OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR YOUTH CAN SET THE NEW STANDARD FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SUPPORT.
WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE TO SEE THAT?

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THE URGENCY

A BOLD VISION IS NEEDED TO HELP THE YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY

A 16-year-old who doesn’t have access to youth services needs to talk to someone urgently.

A 17-year-old is told she is number 132 on a waitlist for counselling.

A 19-year-old has told his painful story 20 times to 20 different people and is always at “square one.”

Since 2007, hospitalizations for mental health and behavioural disorders have increased by 225%, and by 211% for intentional self-harm. The youth of Wellington & Guelph, together with their families, have been falling through the cracks time and time again.

It’s just not good enough.

3 KEY AREAS WE NEED TO IMPROVE

Finding: It is challenging to navigate the system and/or find the services that fit the need. Waiting: There are not enough resources so wait times are exponentially longer. Accessibility: Those who live in rural areas can’t get to the services they need.

I imagine getting the help I need when I need it.

HELPING OUR YOUTH REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE TO SEE THAT?

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INTRODUCING IYSN

INTEGRATED YOUTH SERVICES NETWORK

The Integrated Youth Services Network (IYSN) is a collaborative project, with the aim of providing youth ages 12-26 with the support they need to build positive, bright futures.

Over 30 different organizations are coming together under the leadership of the Rotary Club of Guelph. This is a partnership of service organizations and volunteers united in a common goal to build a new standard of care, support and services for our youth.

OUR GOAL

7 Centres. 1 Door. A new model in youth centred services and resources.

The IYSN will include 7 locations but will feature the benefit of “one door” meaning that youth will only tell their story once. This is made possible through an interconnected online system.

Youth centres will be accessible to all.

At each site, our youth will be given access to programs and services that provide guidance and support for the future. From education and career support, to counselling and peer-to-peer programs, our facilities will provide help and encouragement to every youth in the community.

Sites will be able to assess the needs of youth and technology will be used so that access to the right services is available no matter where they are. Virtual counselling will be available when professionals are off-site, eliminating wait times for programs and support.

THE 7 SITES INCLUDE:

East Wellington Community Services – Town of Erin Minto Mental Health – Palmerston Skyline Community Hub – Fergus University of Guelph YMCA/YWCA of Guelph Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington Shelldale Family Gateway

I imagine a door that leads me to better place.

BUILDING A GROUND-BREAKING MODEL FOR YOUTH. WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE TO SEE THAT?

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WHY DONATE

WHEN WE BUILD IT, WILL THEY COME?

YES! Similar integrated models in other parts of Canada have demonstrated that youth will come because they have co-created and designed the spaces, services, and environment. With their collaboration from the start, these sites will become places our youth will know they can find the support they need, in an environment they find welcoming.

In each site, our youth have access to programs and services that provide guidance and support for the future. From education and career support, to counselling and peer-to-peer programs, our sites will provide help and encouragement to every youth in the community. Sites will be able to assess the needs of youth, and technology will be used so that access to the right services is available no matter where they are. Virtual counselling will be available when professionals are off-site, reducing wait times for programs and support.

THE BIG ASK

We need our community to open their hearts and to help stem the youth crisis and turn it into HOPE. We have the vision, and we’re making it happen. OUR YOUTH ARE OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE.

WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES

Building of physical spaces transformed into safe and supportive environments for youth.
Implementation of integrated spaces/services that are desperately needed to offer guidance and relief.
Technology: A ‘front’ door that youth can step through to access the care that they need from the qualified staff of over 30 organizations.
A sense of belonging and the opportunity for meaningful relationships.
A safe space to hang out.
Positive, youth targeted programming to develop confidence and skills needed to succeed.