Some 38 people representing 50 organizations in Montérégie-Ouest took part in a virtual meeting in order to tackle mental health issues among young people. Several projects could result from the avenues of solutions discussed.
A study by the Université de Sherbrooke in November gave the organization Concertation Horizon a bell. It revealed in particular that the probable anxiety among those under 25 has increased from 3% to 18% since the start of the pandemic.
A open letter was then published inviting organizations to participate in a meeting on this subject. Elected officials, stakeholders and public decision-makers from community, school and public health circles attended the virtual roundtable on January 29.
Three main areas of issues emerged, including the need for socialization. “Young people feel isolated at the moment,” says Concertation Horizon director general Fimba Tankoano. They have difficulty mobilizing because of the lack of human contact. ”
Receiving services and being taken care of is also a challenge. “They have difficulty accessing the interveners, who themselves face mental health issues,” he continues. So we have to help them so that they stay in the profession. ”
Finally, the need for self-esteem and motivation is also problematic. “The message sent to young people since the start of the pandemic has placed them in a situation as if they were the vector of transmission,” says Tankoano. Young people need to feel that they are part of the solution and not part of the problem. ”
Solutions
In order to tackle these three issues, some fifteen possible solutions have been developed. For example, creative spaces could emerge for young people to work themselves to overcome these challenges.
The idea is that they themselves are vectors of change. “Communication between peers, there is no such thing,” says the general manager. We want them to help raise awareness in their own environment in order to break the isolation. ”
More frequent consultation between community organizations and municipalities is also being considered so that available subsidies are allocated according to need.
Some 22 speakers present at the meeting will meet again on February 19 to discuss concrete projects to be implemented as soon as possible.
An envelope of approximately $ 2 million from the Regional Alliance for Solidarity and Social Inclusion will be available for their short-term implementation.
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