Many activities planned for Children's Mental Health Week

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA FAMILY SERVICES
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Algoma Family Services in partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association, Nogdawindamin and Algoma Public Health will be hosting a number of activities across the District in recognition of Child, Youth and Adult Mental Health week from May 7 to May 13, 2018. Children’s Mental Health Week and Mental Health Awareness Week both occur in May.

The purpose of the week is to raise awareness about mental health, share information on services and to reduce stigma. One in four people will be challenged by their mental health, with 70 per cent of mental health challenges emerging in adolescence.

Currently there are over 6,500 children in the province of Ontario waiting more than a year for service. What this highlights is the need for more resources to reduce these wait times.

In March, the Provincial Government announced a $2.1 billion historic investment in Mental Health, translating to $570 million over the next four years for Children’s Mental Health.

Long overdue, this investment will assist in reducing wait times; however more still needs to be done. Green is the symbolic colour in recognition of Children’s Mental Health Week. The communities in Algoma are encouraged to wear green ribbons and light their buildings green.

The following is a list of activities planned for the week of May 7:

• The Sky’s The Limit Infant Mental Health event Tuesday May 8 at St. Joseph Island Early ON Centre. Drop in 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Baby Picasso and Parent/Child Yoga by registration. Contact Megan (705) 542-5561.
• The Sky’s The Limit Infant Mental Health event Wednesday May 9 Holy Angels Early ON Centre. Drop in 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Baby Yoga by registration at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call (705) 945-8898 ext. 255.
• 3rd Annual The Sky’s the Limit Concert featuring local band, Electric Church and Bold Noize on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5/person or $20/family of 4+. Tickets are available at AFS reception and will be available at the door.
• 1st Annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday May 12 at Sault College. To register please call (705) 945-5050 ext 2422 or ext 2112. Registration closes May 7.

“I would like to extend on behalf of the AFS Board and Leadership team our great appreciation to the Children’s Mental Health Week Planning Committee and our community partners for their awesome work in planning all the great activities. We greatly encourage the community to join in on these activities, have some fun and learn more about mental health. Your participation goes a long way in reducing the stigma associated at times with mental health. Remember your mental health is just as important as your physical health”, said Ali Juma, CEO, Algoma Family Services.

To learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week please visit the Children’s Mental Health Ontario website or the Canadian Mental Health Association website for information on adult mental health. Be sure to check out the Algoma Family Services Facebook page.

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