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Innisfil, ON – The Town of Innisfil is recognizing World Mental Health Day with two Speak Your Mind events this month, inviting young people and their guardians to join the conversation about youth mental health. These events will address the stigma surrounding youth mental health, highlight local supports, and provide participants with tools and resources to affect change in their lives and communities.

Ahead of the Summit, parents and guardians are invited to attend a virtual workshop on October 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Offered in partnership with CFS Counselling + Wellbeing and New Path Youth and Family Services, this session will provide caregivers with the tools and resources to help their youth through this important period in their lives. Registration is required. 

On October 24, Speak Your Mind presents HEADSTRONG Youth Mental Health Summit, a free day-long event for students in Grades 7, 8, and 9. Scheduled to take place during the P.A. Day on October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Innisfil Recreational Complex, highlights include:

  • Inspiring speakers who share their own stories on mental health and resilience
  • Hands-on activities that challenge mental health stigma and inspire youth to take action to create change in their school and community
  • Connecting with high school student volunteers to learn about transitioning into high school
  • Busing to and from the event venue from select locations across town
  • Lunch, snacks, swag giveaway, door prizes, community service hours, and more!

“We all know the importance of mental health and understand the additional pressures that youth face,” says Mayor Lynn Dollin. “Students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 are encouraged to attend this free event on October 24 to learn more about available resources and parents/guardians are also encouraged to sign up for the free virtual session to learn more about how to support their children’s mental health.”

Interested youth must register by October 12 through an online form and can learn more by visiting innisfil.ca/SYM.

The Summit is made possible by the Government of Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund and the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s HEADSTRONG initiative.