Together We Give Hope

Balancing Our Minds 2014: Tools for Youth Wellness

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On February 11, The Crisis Centre had the exciting opportunity to participate in “Balancing Our Minds 2014: Tools for Youth Wellness,” a youth event organized by the Vancouver Canucks and BC Mental Health & Substance Use Service. It brought 1500 teachers, counselors and high school aged students to Rogers Arena to discuss issues surrounding mental health and well-being.

The day was highlighted by thoughtful speakers, including Kevin Breel, Victoria native and TEDxYOUTH 2013 speaker; Wes Rypien, brother to Rick Rypien, the hockey player who tragically took his own life in 2011, and Kevin Bieksa, hockey player and close friend of Rick Rypien. Musical performers, youth panels, and health care professionals also took the stage to engage in a collective conversation aimed at de-stigmatizing and educating about depression, substance abuse issues, and mental illness.

The Crisis Centre was in full force at the event, engaging with the students and providing “supportive listeners” to those young people who wanted to reach out and chat with someone if they had something on their mind. It was a great opportunity to speak with the young people that our services are created for, as well as be involved in the ever-important dialogue focusing on the mindfulness of British Columbia youth.

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 Pictured Above: Cindy, Heather, Michael, Brea, and Lindsay

A few of our “Supportive Listener” volunteers, thank you for being there!