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WINDSOR, ON - The first week of May (May 1 – 7) is a time for communities, families and friends to come together to mark Children’s Mental Health Week. Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), the Lead Agency for Children and Youth Mental Health Services, along with Children First, Maryvale Adolescent and Family Services, Family Respite Services Windsor-Essex and WeCHC Teen Health Centre are encouraging residents of Windsor-Essex to take some time this week to recognize the importance of mental health and that many children and their families are struggling. This year’s theme, as lead by CMHO, is centred on sharing stories.
“As we come out of the pandemic, a clearer picture is emerging around its negative impact on child and youth mental health, especially for kids with serious mental health issues,” said Lori Kempe, Executive Director, Lead Agency, HDGH. “It is clear that children and youth are still experiencing increased mental health issues and access to mental health care services can be difficult but there are options in Windsor-Essex.
Launched in May of 2022, HDGH in collaboration with the core service providers, introduced WeConnectKids. WEConnectKids is free, confidential, and can be accessed by children and youth themselves up to age 18 or by parents and/or caregivers by:
• Calling 519-257-KIDS (5437), Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Fridays 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Upon connecting with a WEConnectKids team member, an individual can expect to be asked a series of questions. These questions are designed to help the team decide what type of service and agency can be of the most support. If the person is agreeable, the team will contact the most appropriate agency and they will be followed up with directly. WEConnectKids is not meant to replace the existing engagement and intake process of service agencies but instead, a true system of collaboration between providers, reducing waiting times and making it easier to access and receive mental health and addiction care in our community.
For more information visit www.WEConnectKids.org.
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