THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is making it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use services by launching a new Youth Wellness Hub to serve Thunder Bay and surrounding areas. This is one of 10 new hubs the government is adding to the network of 22 hubs already opened since 2020, bringing the total to 32 across the province.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is continuing to take action to improve mental health and addictions services in communities across Ontario, and support people and their families living with mental health and substance use challenges,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we expand the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province, young people in Thunder Bay can connect to the mental health and addictions care they need, in one convenient location, closer to home.”
Beginning in 2025, the new hub will connect youth aged 12 to 25 and their families in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas to convenient and free mental health, substance use, primary care and Indigenous healing and well-being services in a safe, youth-friendly space.
Children’s Centre Thunder Bay is leading the co-design of the new hub with local youth, community partners and Indigenous service providers, ensuring diverse youth voices and unique needs of Indigenous youth are at the centre of the design and planning for the hub model. The hub will be a culturally appropriate space that offers traditional cultural teachings and supports for Indigenous youth and their families.
“By continuing to expand our network of Youth Wellness Hubs, our government is ensuring youth across the province have convenient access to the highest-quality mental health and addictions supports, when and where they need them,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Thunder Bay’s new Youth Wellness Hub will be a place for young people to feel safe and connected to a community that supports them and helps equip them with the tools they need to face life’s challenges.”
With Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the government has significantly expanded the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province to make it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use support, primary care, social services and more.