Telus donates to local mental health program for youth

The Telus Future Friendly Foundation is providing a $10,000 grant to improve mental health education for local youth.

The funds will support the Youth Mental Health Connections program developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, (CMHA) Vernon and District Branch to provide in-school mental health education to youth aged 12 to 18 in the North Okanagan.

“Reducing the stigma around mental illness and ensuring youth are equipped with the right support and awareness from a young age is so important,” Sean Pihl, Telus Thompson Okanagan Community board chair said. “I’m so happy to see this initiative underway here in the Okanagan, and for the Telus Future Friendly Foundation to provide this important program with financial support.”

One in seven young people in B.C. will experience a mental illness. Between 50 per cent to 70 per cent of mental illnesses show up before the age of 18, having a significant impact on a child’s development.

“The generosity from Telus Friendly Future Foundation shows their commitment to early intervention and prevention for our youth. This will save lives,” Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon, said.

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“What we do today helps set the path to a healthy future for young people in our community,” Payson added.

Youth Mental Health Connections takes place in schools in districts 22 and 83 to equip youth with knowledge and tools to manage their mental health through healthy relationships, peer support and intervention practices.

In small group sessions, students learn about anxiety, depression, self-harm and substance use, and learn how to develop coping skills and increase resilience. Students are informed of available local resources and how to access them.

“Another critical part of Youth Mental Health Connections is listening to students and their concerns. We need to show young people that we hear them, and their voice and experiences are important to us,” Payson said.

The program also benefits teachers, youth leaders and school Parent Advisory Committees who can receive educational sessions through the program.

Last year CMHA provided education and available mental health resources to 238 youth.

“Our partnership with Telus will help us serve more than 500 students this year,” Payson said. “We are extremely grateful for their support in helping us reach more youth.”