Press release
Vancouver Coastal Health launches mental health awareness campaign for children and youth
Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) announced today the launch of On Your Mind, a child and youth mental health public awareness campaign. The campaign focuses on early intervention, like identifying signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, as well as providing families, caregivers and other involved adults with access to relevant mental health information, supports and resources.
The campaign theme, On Your Mind, illustrates the many stresses that can affect a young person’s mental health. It is intended to reduce stigma, highlight the early signs of child and youth mental health challenges, and share information on the supports and resources offered within the VCH region, including culturally safe and trauma-informed programs and services for Indigenous Peoples.
“Many young people experienced heightened anxiety and depression during the pandemic,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Every young person in British Columbia needs access to health-care services that meets their unique needs. This campaign plays an important role in connecting youth to the mental health resources they need early, while also removing barriers that can lead to young people suffering in silence instead of reaching out for help.”
VCH works closely with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, as well as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, to deliver mental health and substance use care for children and young adults through evidence-based services. This campaign is an extension of that work and encourages children and youth experiencing mental health challenges to seek help early and as often as needed.
“We all have a role in knowing the signs and supporting the mental health of children and youth in our lives. Young people need to know that it’s okay to ask for help,” said Yasmin Jetha, Vice President, Community Services, VCH. “It’s important that we encourage children and youth to talk about their feelings and empower families, caregivers and other involved adults with the tools and resources to help.”
VCH offers mental health assessment, consultation and treatment for children and youth up to 25 years of age living in the VCH region. VCH mental health teams include nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists, psychologists, rehabilitation therapists, social workers and support staff. Each team is unique, with a mix of staff and services that reflect the needs of individual communities.
The campaign aims to reach diverse communities throughout the health authority with multilingual and culturally-appropriate communications. Information, tips, and resources regarding child and youth mental health have been translated into 11 languages and can be found at: www.vch.ca/onyourmind
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit in our region, within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa. VCH is British Columbia’s hub of health-care innovation, research and academic excellence, providing specialized care to patients throughout the province. Learn more at vch.ca.
Contact
Vancouver Coastal Health
media@vch.ca | 604.202.2012 (after-hours)