Sudbury’s young population now has a dedicated space where they can gather, have fun, and access essential mental and physical health services all conveniently located under one roof. The YMCA downtown is opening a youth wellness hub that caters to individuals aged between 12 and 25 years old.
The project is spearheaded by Compass, an agency specializing in youth mental health services, in collaboration with Public Health Sudbury and Districts. Halley Baker, a youth ambassador for the hub, emphasizes the unique and welcoming atmosphere created by amenities such as video game consoles, ping pong tables, artwork, and comfortable seating arrangements that distinguish this space from others.
The availability of on-site services such as nursing care and counseling, without the requirement of requisition forms or appointments, is highly significant. Many young individuals encounter obstacles when trying to access these services, but the youth wellness hub serves as an accessible starting point for them.
Asma Bilgasem, Baker’s colleague, emphasizes the importance of primary care services for young individuals who may not feel comfortable confiding in their parents. “This judgment-free, confidential, and relaxed environment offers much-needed access to essential services,” says Bilgasem.
Mark Fraser, the executive director of Compass, emphasizes the centralization of services as a vital aspect of the youth wellness hub. He notes that previously, young people had to navigate multiple agencies to receive the care they needed, whereas now they have a convenient one-stop shop.
With the youth wellness hub situated in downtown, Fraser foresees a surge in service demand in the upcoming months, anticipating a significant influx of youth seeking assistance. The opening ceremony in Sudbury was graced by Marla Banning, the spokesperson for Youth Wellness Hubs across Ontario, who oversees a dozen similar centers throughout the province. Banning emphasizes the advantages of partnerships and the opportunities for youth engagement facilitated by the hub’s strategic placement within the YMCA.
Sudbury joins Kenora and Timmins as the latest northern Ontario cities to establish youth wellness hubs. Additionally, Sagamok First Nation and Sault Ste. Marie are slated to open their own hubs soon, contributing to the network of 22 sites across Ontario.
The opening of the youth wellness hub in Sudbury marks a significant step forward in providing comprehensive support and resources for the well-being of young people in the community.
