It’s almost time to gear up and hit the road, supporting youth mental health programs in York Region and South Simcoe.
The Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) is hard at work planning for Mental Health in Motion 2024.
Mental Health in Motion, one of the region’s major fundraisers for youth mental health, will be held at the Ray Twinny Complex in Newmarket on Sunday 9th June.
This year’s event, in its ninth year, allows participants to participate in a 5km walk or run and a 20k or 60k bike ride.
“Whether you prefer a leisurely walk, a brisk run or a scenic bike ride, Mental Health in Motion has something for you,” say organizers. “Bring your friends, family and colleagues and make this event one to remember.”
Funds raised through this year’s ‘Mental Health in Motion’ will once again support youth mental health programmes, particularly MOBYSS (Mobile York South Simcoe) will be useful for buses.
CMHA-YRSS President and CEO Rebecca Shields describes youth mental health as the “urgent crisis of our time” and highlights the importance of raising funds for youth mental health are doing.
“I’m more excited than ever about this year’s Mental Health in Motion. After the pandemic and everything we’ve learned, we really need to refresh the event and breathe new life into the event. We have,” Shields said, noting that staff have been working hard to develop new routes to keep things fresh for returning attendees. “I think an important part of Mental Health in Motion is not only the fact that we are raising money for a great cause, but also breaking down the stigma. , we want to go out and be together to show that we are advocates for mental health. We want to make it really visible and reduce the stigma in our community. We want people to be proud of the fact that we are supporting and dispelling this.”
Although much work has been done over the years to emphasize the fact that mental health is good health, there is still a lot of stigma to overcome. Shields said people facing mental health issues worry about losing their jobs, feeling socially isolated and being misunderstood about what’s really going on. .
“I think the youth mental health crisis is an urgent crisis of our time,” she says. “MOBYSS is a mobile youth health and mental health clinic for ages 12 and older, located where youth attend, primarily high schools. You can get all kinds of services from your workers, or colleagues. They’re probably coming in because they have a health-related problem, but more than two-thirds have mental health-related concerns. This is a place where children can quickly access the care they need. [a wide] range.
“Unfortunately, each year we support people struggling with suicidal thoughts, and our teams work hard to not only provide immediate support, but connect them with ongoing care. Some young people come back seeking counseling support to deal with issues they face with anxiety, depression, relationship, family, school, and exam anxiety. They may have a problem and need support to deal with it. Our team will provide them with the counseling and support they need, as well as the ongoing care they need. is there to make sure it’s a whole-health approach.Young people everywhere have the same health issues and sometimes don’t have access to or some kind of sexual health information or sexuality. Because sometimes it can be embarrassing to talk about the need for testing, and that’s what we’re providing to ensure that no young person is left behind.”
Mr Shields added that funds raised through Mental Health in Motion will “ensure that children in crisis or in need receive immediate care.”
“It makes a big difference. It’s so important to really focus on our youth. I think the cause is important, it’s a great run and well-organized event. We’ve been doing this for years, and now we have the experience of coming together to build a bigger picture of eradicating stigma, promoting mental health, understanding that mental health is healthy, and building caring communities. I feel the energy of being part of the momentum, and it’s really important that we all want to be a part of it.”
For more information about his Year of Mental Health in Motion event, including how to register, collect pledges and support participants who have already registered, please visit www.cmhainmotion.ca.
Brock Weir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Auroran
