Youth Net Brampton Community Door 7700 Hurontario St., Unit 601 Brampton, ON L6Y 4M3 Ph: 905-456-2551 Fax: 905-451-1718 E-mail: youthnet@cmhapeel.ca website: http://www.cmhapeel.ca/youthnet Directions

Here’s the Deal…

The stigma associated with mental illness is common in our society but is highly prominent in youth. Recent studies show that Canadian youth are at a disturbingly high risk for mental health problems, and that suicide is the second most common killer, yet youth remain reluctant to use the support systems available in their communities. Many studies show that youth are more likely to turn to their peers for advice and support in times of crisis.

Youth Net is here to deliver the following outcomes for youth:

• Clients increase awareness of mental health and mental illness and what can help them to cope;
   
• Clients are more connected/knowledgeable about youth friendly professional services available to them;
   
• Clients are more likely to share in order to give and get help earlier for mental health problems;
   
• Clients who are in crisis become connected with crisis support as needed and as they wish.

Youth Net is a youth empowering program “by youth for youth.” We are here to break down barriers by reaching out to groups of youth anywhere and everywhere they are found. We offer youth the opportunity to speak and be heard, share opinions, as well as offer and receive support from peers.

Our goals are to:

1. Increase awareness of mental health and mental illness
2. Decrease the stigma of mental illness
3. Facilitate early intervention for mental illness
4. Promote good mental health
5. Help youth develop connections to youth-friendly professionals in their community

Our Philosophy…

Youth Net believes in respecting and valuing youth’s experiences by connecting youth with one another with a commitment to listening without judging. We believe in responding to what we hear and empowering youth to find healthy coping mechanisms and proactive solutions. Youth Net ensures a safety net of professionals is available when needed.

We believe in Developmental Assets as researched by the Search Institute and supported by Thrive Canada. Everyone needs help to have a healthy future and the assets, including those provided externally by the community, are of particular interest to Youth Net.