By: Carrissa Peach
Mayor Marianne Matichuk announced that May 3-6 is Children's Mental Health Week in the City of Greater Sudbury. This week-long awareness-raising event is nationwide.
The May 3 announcement took place at Tom Davies Square and was marked by the raising of the Children's and Family Centre flag.
According to literature by Children's Mental Health Ontario, one out of every five children and youth under the age of 19 in Ontario struggles with “a diagnosable emotional, mental, or behavioral disorder.”
“These problems are painful, serious, and very real,” the literature stated. “(If) left untreated, kids in distress can turn to drugs and alcohol.”
Dr. Bertrand Guidon, executive director of the Child and Youth Centre of Sudbury explained that mental health affects, on average, about 12% of Ontarians, yet centres like his only receives 6% of the funding needed.
He explained that on average, it takes 6 months for the ninety children in Sudbury who require their services to receive that care.
Guidon told members of the community that, for the first time, private sectors rallied behind mental health organizations to pressure the government to bring funding to their sector.
“It's been a rally for mental health this year,” Guidon said.
He explained that by integrating services, they can make a difference in the lives of children across Ontario.
“(Children's Mental Health week) is a time to remember that our children are our future and that we need to provide them the securities necessary to become healthy and productive adults.”
Paul Galbert is a psychometric's counsellor for the Child and Family Centre. His work involves providing assessments to children and youth who are suspected of developmental disabilities or learning disabilities in collaboration with a psychologist.
He told Sudburians, that provincially, the Children's Mental Health services have received good news (of some funding), but it's clear they need continuous support.
“(Children's Mental Health week) will be creating awareness for children's mental health, and we will be celebrating the success...only together will we achieve these goals,” said Galbert, “so lets not stop!”
Galbert also said this week will help break the barriers of loneliness that children facing mental health issues feel. “This is a stepping stone towards a better future,” he said.
Hoping that Sudburians take this year's theme “change the view” to heart and learn about children's mental health, Galbert said he challenges citizens to become the voice that says “wow this is a real problem.”
Throughout the week, there will be additional events to sponsor and raise awareness about children's mental health.
Thursday, May 5 there will be a mental health fair at the downtown city centre from 3-6pm.
For more information, visit www.kidsmentalhealth.ca
