MHCC marks National Child and Youth Mental Health Day
It is estimated that 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness each year. More than 70 per cent of adults living with a mental illness say the onset occurred before age 18.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada highlighted National Child and Youth Mental Health Day on Saturday (May 7), participating in a national conversation on mental health issues.
MHCC Vice-President of Knowledge and Innovation Geoff Couldrey spoke at the launch of Family Smart™ during National Child and Youth Mental Health Day on Saturday in Vancouver, BC.
“Children and youth are the future of this country and collectively we must do better for them, we must be more responsive to their mental health needs,” said Couldrey.
Family Smart™, an initiative of the National Institute of Families for Child and Youth Mental Health, launched Saturday in Vancouver, BC, has developed a trademark to endorse child and youth practices, research, policies, programs and services that are making a difference to families in Canada.
The National Institute of Families for Child and Youth Mental Health is currently gathering input from families and those working and interested in child and youth mental health to help define criteria for Family Smart™.
Co-founder Keli Anderson said they are focused on giving a voice to families for child and youth mental health.
“Mental health challenges don’t affect just one person in a family - it affects everyone. Families need to be supported and families need to unite in understanding and supporting each other and work together with systems,” said Anderson, who is a member of MHCC’s Child & Youth Advisory Committee.
The MHCC has been working on a number of projects related to children and youth mental health including developing the Evergreen Framework, a resource for developing child and youth mental health initiatives, tackling issues such as stigma in youth, parenting skills, mental health and addiction services in school settings, etc.
MHCC also participated in a Canadian Mental Health Association event in Calgary, AB on Saturday marking the 60th anniversary of Mental Health Week.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for transformative change. Our mission is to work with stakeholders to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to promote mental health and help people who live with mental health problems lead meaningful and productive lives. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada. For more, visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca
The Institute of Families for Child & Youth Mental Health is an independent not-for-profit organization that works to improve child and youth mental health in Canada by involving families in consultation, education and partnerships.