The Well Community Collective offers free meals and support to Goderich youth

(From left to right) Emily Zinn, community engagement prevention, Alison Snell, youth wellness facilitator, Rikki Moffatt, student field placement.

Since its grand opening last month, The Well Community Collective Youth Hub in Goderich is serving youth with smiles and support. 

The Well Youth Hub in Goderich has seen busy lunches from its local youth since its Oct. 8 grand opening. Youth Wellness Facilitator Alison Snell said the hub is currently making connections with the youth and is seeing an increase in youth participation in drop-in programs.

Open in Goderich, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth for counsellor support. The hub helps youth who are struggling with substance use, housing, employment, education, food insecurity and mental health challenges. 

“We want every youth to feel safe, and we want them to know there are resources out there; we are here to help them,” said Snell.  “We don’t want them to feel alone, so connecting with them and providing programs can help open up and get them the help they need.” 

The Goderich hub is one of the three collective hub locations, with two others stationed in Exeter and Kincardine. A fourth location is scheduled to open in Listowel next month. 

Along with support services and free lunches. The hubs will provide basic items to youth in need, such as toothbrushes and clothing.

"It’s very rewarding to go to each of our hubs and connect with the youth. Seeing them smile, knowing they have a safe place to hang out, get a meal, and access support, that’s what makes all the work worth it,” said Snell. “We want every young person to feel safe, supported, and know they’re not alone."

The Well Community Collective’s mission is to create safe, accessible, and supportive spaces for rural and marginalized youth, where they can access the help they need without fear of stigma or judgment.

The Well also involves young people in designing programs and shaping services to ensure the hubs reflect the needs of the communities they serve. Through trauma-informed, inclusive and evidence-based care, The Well aims to make sure no youth feels alone, overlooked or unsupported.