For immediate release
April 29, 2021
Child and Youth Mental Health is in Crisis
May 3-9 is Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week is happening May 3-9. With Ontario in a State of Emergency and schools closed, children and youth mental health has never been more important. The week is about increasing awareness of the signs of child and youth mental health problems, decreasing stigma and understanding that help is available and treatment can work.
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is encouraging the community to raise awareness for child and youth mental health in the region by participating in virtual activities throughout the week promoting the Five Ways to Well-Being. Each weekday, NEOFACS will be promoting one of the five actions: connect, take notice, be active, keep learning and give. Campaign toolkits and mental health resources for coping through COVID-19 are available online at https://www.neofacs.org/CMHW2021.
“Our kids are in a mental health crisis,” said John Raymond, Executive Director of NEOFACS. “Our child and youth mental health care workers continue to provide essential support during the State of Emergency. Families can reach out to us for help – no problem is too big or too small.”
The ongoing pandemic means that many children and youth have had little structure, have faced many school closures, virtual school challenges, and isolation from their peers – and it is hurting their mental health. For some children and youth, the stress and anxiety has progressed into more serious mental health challenges.
A recent SickKids survey found that approximately 70 per cent of children and youth reported a worsening of their mental health since the start of the pandemic. Across the province, child and youth mental health centres are reporting an increase in demand for services. More children and youth are in need of mental health supports, and the severity of mental illness is worsening.
NEOFACS joins Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) in calling for the Ontario government to urgently invest in child and youth mental health to ensure that care continues to be available in our community when families need it.
“We are calling on the Ontario government to urgently increase funding to child and youth mental health centres like ours so that we can continue to meet the rising demand for support and ensure children are getting the mental health treatments they need – when they need it – right here in our community,” said Raymond.
FIND HELP IN THE DISTRICTS OF COCHRANE AND TIMISKAMING
Our child and youth mental health services throughout the region are open with public health measures in place. We continue to provide essential mental health supports virtually and in person, as needed, as we have throughout the pandemic. We are here to help parents, caregivers, children, and youth.
“This has been a very difficult year and when it comes to kids’ mental health. Everything is not ok,” said Raymond. “If you are a parent or caregiver and you’re concerned about changes in your child’s behaviour, please reach out for help. NEOFACS is here to help.”
Support is available 24/7 by calling 705-360-7100 or Toll-Free at 1-800-665-7743 in the Cochrane District or 1-866-229-5437 in the Timiskaming District.
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NEOFACS joins Children’s Mental Health Ontario in calling for the Ontario government to urgently invest in child and youth mental health. Sign the petition to let our provincial government know that everything is #NotOK.
About NEOFACS:
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is an integrated agency, providing services to children, youth and their families in the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming, including a number of programs for those experiencing mental health difficulties. Our client-responsive programs and services are innovative, evidence-based, and designed to meet the unique needs of those we serve. For more information, please visit https://www.neofacs.org.
For more information, please contact:
Mélanie Watson, Communications Coordinator
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services
705-360-2121 | melanie.watson@neofacs.org