Prevention and early intervention is the primary focus of programs offered by Children & Youth Services. These unique programs all utilize the strengths and talents of volunteers in their implementation.
Friends: The Friends Service operates in partnership with local school boards in Waterloo Region to develop self-esteem and social skills with children between the ages of 4 and 15 years. Friends matches trained adult volunteers (16 years of age or older) with children and youth who are experiencing significant difficulties in their lives. Children may be experiencing issues related to social, emotional, behavioral, developmental or mental health concerns. Volunteers act as positive role models and confidantes to provide emotional support to children and assist them to build/enhance their self-esteem and confidence while developing strong social skills. (available in Waterloo Region only). Click here for Volunteer Application.
Healthy Start: Healthy Start is a school-based, group format program that teaches healthy relationship skills to all children who are in a grade one classroom. The program operates in partnership with the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo District Catholic School Board and recognizes the importance of positive relationship skills in the early years.
The program is designed to creatively teach relationship skills to young children and their families. The goal of Healthy Start is to provide a solid foundation for young children to develop healthy self-esteem, healthy peer relationships, respect for others and problem solving skills. This 10-week program was developed with the Ontario Curriculum in mind with respect to Health and Physical education and Social Studies guidelines. Each week focuses on a topic designed to assist children to strengthen social skills including making friends, feelings, listening and communication, resolving conflict, anger management and personal safety. The program is highly interactive and uses discussion, games, songs, puppets, crafts, stories and more to promote healthy relationship skills. Volunteers co-facilitate the weekly groups in conjunction with the Healthy Start Program Facilitator. (available in Kitchener-Waterloo only) Click here for Volunteer Application.
WAYVE: WAYVE (Working Against Youth Violence Everywhere) was developed as an innovative approach to crime prevention through social development, including education and resources to prevent the isolation of youth. The program facilitates the leadership and engagement of youth to create and deliver preventative educational and resource materials to their peers through opportunities available in the school system and general community.
Operating in partnership with CMHA and the two local school boards, members are high school students in Kitchener-Waterloo who are trained to be aware of sensitive youth issues such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, suicide, and gang violence. The team is comprised of approximately 32 youth who have an interest and passion in volunteering their time to make the school environment a safer, more welcoming place. They provide support to their fellow peers through awareness, education, and, the provision of local resources during the classroom and community presentations. The WAYVE team has now reached over 6500 students and community members in Waterloo Region. (available in Waterloo Region only)
Suicide Intervention through Youth Talk: "Youth Talk" receives funding from the New Ontario Trillium Foundation to support youth to create and deliver projects that inform peers about the myths and realities of suicide, address underlying issues and provide useful information about local resources. "Youth Talk" is offered in partnership between The Suicide Resource Group and the Canadian Mental Health Association Grand River Branch.
In Phase I of the Youth Talk project, youth created and delivered the highly successful theatrical play "A Permanent Solution ... " (written and directed by Tom Slater, Head of Dramatic Arts at JF Ross High School) to high schools and community groups in Wellington-Dufferin Counties. The play follows the lives of a group of friends dealing with the realities of depression and suicide.
In Phase II (September 2006) youth have been recruited to create student/youth-led projects to address suicide prevention. The project will assist in the process of developing the skills among youth themselves to create meaningful connections with their peers to cope with suicide.
Over 4,000 Canadians die by suicide every year. Engaging youth as part of the solution is a critical strategy to ensure understanding of the key issues. By utilizing the creativity of youth and the support of school staff, we expect to reach a broader community in addition to students who attend secondary schools in Wellington and Dufferin.