All Canadian children and youth should have access to quality mental health services, including community prevention and early interventions.
Mental health challenges, often linked to childhoods beset by trauma, are afflicting young people across the country in increasing numbers. For children and families struggling with income, identity, language and other barriers, especially in rural and remote communities, mental health challenges too often go unaddressed until a crisis erupts.
Every day, BGC advocates for children and youth.
For BGC Niagara, advocacy means amplifying youth voices, standing up for children and their families, and actively pushing decision makers towards a more inclusive and equitable Canada. Our strong working relationships with all levels of government enable us to sustain and expand the vital work of our Clubs, give young people across the country a platform, and ensure action is taken.
BGC Niagara’s advocacy work focuses on:
- Expanding mental health first aid training
- Increasing trauma-informed programming in response to COVID-19
- Addressing mental health stigma and discrimination by elevating youth voices, including those who have experienced mental health challenges or illnesses
For 24/7 mental health support, visit KidsHelpPhone.ca where you can live chat with a professional counsellor, or call 1-800-668-6868.