World Suicide Prevention Day
The World Health Organization has declared September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day, with the call to action, “Start the Conversation.” As an agency that is dedicated to supporting the well-being of children and youth, we know just how important this conversation is.
Canada’s youth suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world and it’s the second leading cause of death for those aged 15-34. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has a mental health challenge, and about 70% of mental health issues have their onset in childhood or youth.
Demand for mental health services is rising in our region, and there are not adequate resources in the community to meet the need. Increasing numbers of young people and their families are being referred to CAS for assistance with mental health concerns. In the last 5 years, Peel CAS experienced a staggering 186% increase in requests for counselling services. This is likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, increased need for mental health services and longer waiting lists for services in the community.
Recognizing this critical need, Peel CAS has developed a Mental Health Strategy to help equip our workers and foster caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to provide effective services for youth in crisis. Phase one of the Mental Health Strategy is focused on children and youth at risk of suicide. So far more than 150 staff members have received specialized training to support vulnerable young people, while being inclusive of their culture and social identity.
We have many programs and services in place to support the young people we work with. Peel CAS’ Trailblazers Youth Centre programs aim to help empower and socialize children and youth by building connections, exploring their passions, and providing opportunities to build life skills. The Centre offers a range of opportunities including sports, music, art, cooking and financial literacy and wellness classes, plus social events for youth.
It was recently announced that Peel CAS will be leading the co-design of a new Youth Wellness Hub in Brampton that will open in 2025, which will make it faster and easier for young people ages 12-25 to connect to mental health and substance use services. In collaboration with Peel community partners, we are proud to be the first child welfare agency in Ontario to lead the development of a Youth Wellness Hub.
We are proud to be a part of Youth Suicide Prevention Peel (YSPP) which is a collaborative committee of local service agencies committed to supporting and promoting child and youth suicide prevention in Peel. We are very fortunate to work together with a network of professionals in Peel who are doing amazing work, in law enforcement, in government, and in the community, directly supporting the mental health and wellness of children, youth and families.
Peel CAS is here to help children, youth and families who are experiencing mental health challenges. If you are concerned about the safety or well-being of a child or youth under the age of 18, please call us at 905-363-6131.
If you are thinking about suicide, or you are concerned about someone you know, please call or text the national Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 for immediate support 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Media Coverage:
Peel CAS has been featured on several media outlets to talk about our Suicide Prevention work! Check out the links below:
Experts highlight support for youth during Suicide Prevention Month - Talia Ricci interviews Mary Beth Moellenkamp and former youth in care, Shannia, CBC News, September 24, 2024
Global News Morning - Candace Daniel interviews Mary Beth Moellenkamp, September 10, 2024
Peel Children's Aid Society's Trailblazers program - Pauline Chan interviews Simone Brady and Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CTV, Sept 10, 2024
