Factors ranging from suboptimal living situations to highly stressful jobs can lead to poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a further toll on mental wellness in many people. Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC) is a community-based non-profit organization led by the youth that focuses on “youth, family and community engagement for mental health education, support, advocacy, and change.”

 The organisation advocates for “needs-based, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed” mental health supports, services, and educational accommodations. Their funding goes to supporting families with young people dealing with chronic mental health disabilities.

 To help the youth during the pandemic, YMHC compiled a “mental resources during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak” page on their website, drawing their own free resources and external information. In addition to useful information about mental health management and available support and response networks, one of the services offered by YMHC is the “Compassionate Card Service.” Through this program, young people struggling with mental health can request a personalized message of support from the YMHC team members.

To learn more about YMHC and the support they offer, visit https://ymhc.ngo/covid-19/

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