Children's Mental Health Week - May 6-12, 2024
Annually, Mental Health Week is acknowledged during the first week of May with an emphasis on children’s mental health. Recognizing Children's Mental Health Week (CMHW) is more important than ever!
As many as 1 in 5 Ontario children and youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health problem - that's about 500,000 kids. Of those kids, 5 out of 6 will not receive the treatment they need. Disorders range from anxiety, depression and conduct disorder to eating disorders, psychosis and bipolar disorder. Left untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse and even suicide.
CMHW is about increasing awareness of child and youth mental health needs, decreasing stigma and understanding that help is available and treatment can work. The more educated we are on the subject, the more capable we are to reach out for support. There should be no shame in talking about mental health. The more we talk about this, the more we reduce the associated shame and stigma so that young people can get the help they need when they need it most.
Join us for CMHW 2024 and help raise awareness for child and youth mental health and well-being!
Here’s what’s happening!
Campaign Fundraiser: Order Specialty T-shirts & Water Bottles
Specialty campaign t-shirts and water bottles promoting mental health awareness are for sale, for a limited time. Proceeds from the sales will support the Children’s Mental Health Week Bursary offered through the North Eastern Ontario Children's Foundation.
The deadline to order via our online shop is Monday, April 29, 2024!
Please see further details below. If you have any questions, please email event@neofacs.org.
How to Place an Order:
- Order & Payment Process:
- Visit our online shop at neofacs.logikalpromotions.com to view pricing, available colours, and size details.
- Orders and payments can be conveniently made directly through the online shop.
- Pick-Up Locations:
- When placing an order, save on shipping fees by selecting a NEOFACS office location for pick-up. Details will be communicated via the provided contact information when orders are ready.
About the Design and Products:
- T-Shirt: The design features the message of "I ❤️ Mental Health Awareness". It was passionately created by our engaged youth with The New Mentality group.
- The design is available in English and French, with a range of colour options and sizing for youth and adults.
- You also have the option to add the NEOFACS logo to the sleeve for a small added fee.
- Water Bottle: We also have a limited number of water bottles available in white and black, featuring the same design.
The white t-shirt is a great option for anyone interested in doing a tie-dye project, allowing you to get creative and add a personal splash of colour!
Five Ways to Well-Being Activities
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) and the Northeastern Ontario Mental Health Week Committee are committed to promoting Five Ways to Well-Being which supports people to live a happy and fulfilling life and feel engaged in their community.
Five Ways to Well-Being is a set of five simple, evidence-based actions, which can improve well-being in everyday life. Each weekday of Mental Health Week, we will promote one of the five actions:
- Connect: Talk and listen. Be there. Feel Connected.
- Take Notice: Appreciate the simple things that give you joy.
- Be Active: Move your mood. Do what you can. Enjoy what you do.
- Keep Learning: Embrace new experiences. See opportunities. Surprise yourself.
- Give: Your time. Your words. Your presence.
Join us in celebrating mental health and well-being by incorporating these actions into your life!
Share What You Do!
Share your actions with us on social media and use the hashtags #5Ways and #CMHW2024 or #MHW2024. Challenge your friends and family to do the same!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@neofacs). Follow our The New Mentality group, @tnm.neofacs, on Instagram.
Do you or someone you know need mental health support?
Everyone may experience brief problems with some issues, but when those problems start to interfere with everyday living, it may be time to reach out for help.
Community members in need of help are encouraged to reach out to the services available in their community, including NEOFACS, or if they know a young person or family in need of support.
You are not alone! We are here to help.
We offer a number of programs and services for children, youth and families experiencing mental health needs, crisis situations or family breakdown.
Don't wait to access services or get help:
- You can reach NEOFACS 24/7 by phone at 705-360-7100 or Toll-Free at 1-800-665-7743 or 1-866-229-5437/KIDS.
- One Stop Talk offers children, youth and their families in Ontario immediate access to free mental health support by providing single session counselling and direct referrals to other services when needed. To connect with a clinician, visit OneStopTalk.ca or call 1-855-416-8255.
- You can also access support by contacting Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868) or visiting your local Emergency Department.
- 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline – Call or text 9-8-8.
- If you are at immediate risk, you may also call 911.