SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK — The Ontario government is making it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use support by launching a new Youth Wellness Hub to serve Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and surrounding areas. This is one of the eight new hubs the government is adding to the 14 already created since 2020, bringing the total to 22 across the province.
“Expanding our network of Youth Wellness Hubs is another step our government is taking to ensure Ontarians of all ages 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. “We are thrilled to be launching the first Youth Wellness Hub designed by and for an Indigenous community. Culturally appropriate care is a core tenet of the Roadmap to Wellness, and we will continue making investments to improve access to these services for Indigenous communities across Ontario.”
Youth aged 12 to 25 in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and surrounding areas can visit the hub to connect to convenient and free mental health, substance use, primary care and traditional healing and wellness services in a safe, youth-friendly, welcoming space. Young people can drop in for counselling or peer support, book an appointment or access services virtually.
The new Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation Youth Wellness Hub is being co-designed alongside local Sagamok Anishnawbek youth, families, leaders and partners and will replace the current temporary building. The hub is an example of successful community collaboration to adapt the Youth Wellness Hub to address the unique needs of Indigenous youth and their families.
“Our government is continuing to take action to improve mental health services for communities across Ontario, and support patients and families living with mental health and addictions challenges,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we continue to expand the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province, young people in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation will receive faster and easier access to the mental health care they need, in one convenient location, closer to home.”
With Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the government is significantly expanding 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.