The Town of Innisfil's Speak Your Mind initiatives create safe and supportive community spaces to talk about youth mental health and share resources and tools. 

Looking for mental health services in the community? Visit our Social and Community Services page.

Speak Your Mind Presents HEADSTRONG Youth Mental Health Summit

This fun and free one-day event empowers youth to be mental health champions. Participants will get to hear inspiring stories, break down the stigma around mental health, and take action to create change at school and in their community. Event details:

  • Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
  • Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
  • Location: Innisfil Recreational Complex
  • Open to all Grades 7, 8, and 9 students in Innisfil and surrounding areas
  • Shuttle buses will be available from all three Innisfil ideaLAB & Libray branches and the Morgan Russell Memorial Arena & Community Centre (requires pre-booking through the registration form)

Register by October 12

We invite students, Grade 7-9, to spend their P.A. Day with us. Event highlights include cool speakers, engaging activities, door prizes, and swag giveaways. Participants will get to connect with Grade 11 and 12 community leaders, learn about the transition to high school, and have real talk about mental health and resilience. Lunch and snacks are included.

Volunteers needed

The Town is currently seeking volunteers to help support the Speak Your Mind Presents HEADSTRONG Youth Mental Health Summit on October 24. Opportunities available:

Emcee

  • Responsibilities: Help host the event, bring energy and positivity while introducing the speakers, and guide the flow of the event
  • Applicants must be 16 to 18 years old and should have previous experience public speaking
  • Apply online by August 15

Youth Volunteer

  • Responsibilities: Lead activities, greet attendees, and assist with event logistics
  • Applicants must be in Grades 11 or 12, compassionate, and have good communication skills
  • Apply online by September 24

Event volunteers will get community service hours, lunch and snacks during the event, event swag, and more. If you have any questions, reach out to healthandwellness@innisfil.ca. 

Program highlights

What can you expect during the Speak Your Mind Presents HEADSTRONG Youth Mental Health Summit?

  1. Interactive activities: Engaging activities designed to open minds and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health
  2. Inspiring speakers: Personal recovery stories from real people who have overcome mental health issues
  3. Skill building: Action planning sessions that encourage leadership and social action
  4. Community connection: Grade 11 and 12 students will facilitate activities and share high school transition and success insights
  5. Supportive environment: Mental health professionals available throughout the day

Session for parents and guardians

Are you the parent or guardian of a teen? Speak Your Mind is presenting a special, guardians-only virtual session ahead of the Summit to help you learn more about youth mental wellness and mental health stigma, what our Speak Your Mind events are all about, and how to better support your teen.

Event details to come. Stay tuned!

What is HEADSTRONG?

HEADSTRONG is a Mental Health Commission of Canada program designed to give youth (ages 12 to 19) the tools, skills, and confidence to be mental health champions in their school and communities.

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.

Virtual programs 

View recordings of previous Speak Your Mind workshops below.

Improve Your Mood

You can watch Jennifer Richardson's Improve Your Mood video to explore the benefits of nutrition and how what we eat nourishes not only our body, but our mind. Learn how food can affects our mood.
Addictions and Substance with Ryan

Ryan McPhail is Peer Support Worker who is part of the Canadian Mental Health Association. You can watch an open discussion about addiction and substance use.
Not an Experiment

Watch the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's talk about vaping issues, health, industry, marketing, and common myths.
Keep it Positive

Check out the Keep it Positive video from Intention Wellness to gain practical ways to identify anxiety, understand your nervous system, and learn about proactive tools to help you self-regulate.
Mindfulness

Do you feel swept up in your emotions or thoughts? Watch the Simcoe County District School Board's video to explore mindfulness basics, gratitude, and compassion.
Sex Trafficking in our Community

Learn and understanding about sexual exploitation and why it can happen to anyone by watching Sex Trafficking in our Community.
Teen Survival Guide

Watch Shak Edwards's Declassified Teen Survival Guide and gain mental and physical wellness tips that will help you.