Provincial funding adds mental health resource for youth in Oxford County

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Ontario government said it is making it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use services by launching a new Youth Wellness Hub to serve Oxford County. This is one of 10 new hubs the government is adding to the network of 22 hubs bringing the total to 32 across the province.

“Our government is continuing to take action to improve mental health and addictions services in communities across Ontario, and support people and their families living with mental health and substance use challenges,” said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health. “As we expand the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province, young people in Oxford County can connect to the mental health and addictions care they need, in one convenient location, closer to home.”

Beginning in 2025, the new hub will connect youth aged 12 to 25 in Oxford County to convenient and free mental health, substance use and primary care services in a safe, youth-friendly space. Rural communities in the area will also be supported by a mobile hub model, making it easier for youth to drop in for in-person counselling or peer support close to their home.

Other services provided through the hub will also include supports for newcomers and access to community and social supports and employment services.

Wellkin Child and Youth Mental Health is leading the co-design of the Oxford County Youth Wellness Hub with local community partners ensuring diverse youth voices are at the centre of the design of the hub model.

"The approval and funding for our Brightside Youth Hub is one of the best gifts we can give as a community to our youth,” said Wellkin executive director Kelly Baker. “We thank Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (and the government) for their support in making this vision a reality. The coming together of community partners is a testament to the community’s commitment to putting children and youth first in Oxford County. Youth today are struggling, and a Youth Wellness Hub is an opportunity to change that.”

She added that by making a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for youth, by youth, young people aged 12 to 25 will have a place where they can find help, and most importantly, find connection.

“It is a place that lets them know our community cares about them. They are our future, and they need to know they matter."

Between 2020 and 2023, Ontario established a provincial network of 22 Youth Wellness Hubs that they say have connected 43,000 youth and their families to mental health, substance use, and wellness services, accounting for over 168,000 visits.

"Our government recognizes that youth in our province need mental health and substance use support closer to home to continue thriving in rural communities,” said Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman. “The new Youth Wellness Hub in Woodstock will provide these essential services to young people across Oxford County, offering comprehensive support and high-quality care when they need it most,” he added.

Associate minister of mental health and addictions Michael Tibollo said by continuing to expand the network of hubs, the government is ensuring youth across the province have convenient access to the highest-quality mental health and addiction supports, when and where they need them.

Wellkin Child and Youth Mental Health is leading the co-design of the Oxford County Youth Wellness Hub with local community partners ensuring diverse youth voices are at the centre of the design of the hub model.

Between 2020 and 2023, Ontario established a provincial network of 22 Youth Wellness Hubs that they say have connected 43,000 youth and their families to mental health, substance use, and wellness services, accounting for over 168,000 visits.