Imagine you’re 18 and forced to live on the street, thrown into frightening situations that impact your physical and mental health. Now imagine the added stress of trying to pursue a post-secondary education. How would you have the mental strength to stay focused and study? Seems inconceivable, right?
This is what life was like for Jay, a resilient, Sudbury youth who found himself homeless after a challenging family situation. Living in a shelter while striving to complete a post-secondary education became an exceptionally daunting and stressful task. Without the stability and safety of a home, he struggled with his mental health and worried about his physical safety while homeless.
Luckily, Jay found strength in mental health programming funded by United Way Centraide North East Ontario, including access to a psychiatrist and nurse practitioner. “I always wanted to get therapy, but I didn’t have the money to do that,” Jay shared. “It can take over a year to get into a psychiatrist, so having one that is easily accessible has been really beneficial.”
There are numerous barriers to accessing adequate mental health support for youth. According to a Youth and Mental Health in Canada report, “only one in five youth in need of mental health services receives appropriate treatment as they transition to the adult health care system.” Through United Way funded mental health programming, local youth have immediate access to free mental health support in an inclusive and safe environment, which has made all the difference for Jay.
Now Jay is living in university residence and pursuing an education in social work, with the hope to one day give back and help support others in the same way that he was. “Knowing that people want to talk to me and spend time with me - that's made a difference!” said Jay. “I’m so grateful for this program.”
Through the generous support of our donors, Jay has found hope, refuge and a way to navigate life’s challenges. By helping United Way fund programming for local youth like Jay, it creates vital access to critical support when they need it most.
“I always wanted to get therapy, but I didn’t have the money to do that. It can take over a year to get into a psychiatrist, so having one that is easily accessible has been really beneficial."