YouthNet / RéseauAdo (YNRA) is a bilingual, for youth by youth, mental-health program at CHEO. YNRA offers alternative support services for youth aged 13 to 20. We work at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and illness through prevention and intervention programs, education, research and advocacy.
All our programs are led by our trained facilitators. Our facilitators are all aged 20 to 30 and are supported by a clinical social worker.
Mental health literacy
Presentations for schools and youth community centres:
- Wellness 101
- StressLESS
- How to Help a Friend
Youth programs
- Pens and Paint: Art based program that focuses on coping with stress through visual arts and creative writing.
- Winter Wellness: Activity based program that runs in the winter. Youth learn how physical activity can help them cope with stress through snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing among other winter-based activities.
- Rooted: Activity based program that runs in the summer. It focuses on outdoor physical activity such as hiking, canoeing and touring farms. As youth explore nature, they learn about mental health and coping strategies.
- Mindfulness: This program encourages youth to discover oneself. It allows them to recharge through mindfulness, yoga, creative projects and discussion with peers. Most of all, it teaches youth self-care. This program is for youth 15 and older.
Advocacy work and youth engagement
- Youth Advisory Committee (YAC): a youth advocacy group that works towards promoting mental health and destigmatizing mental illness. The members meet on a weekly basis and work on a wide variety of community or YNRA projects.
If you are 13 to 20 years old and want to join one of our programs please contact us at 613-738-3915 or email youthnet@cheo.on.ca.
Get in touch
Visit YouthNet on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or check out YouthNet's official website for more information.