Youth Engagement Advisory of Oxford County Hosts Open House

Wednesday, 8 May 2019 14:12

Photo credit: The Youth Engagement Advisory of Oxford County

Today's open house will feature different activities and attractions for children, including face painting and therapy dogs. It is free to attend.

WOODSTOCK - The Youth Engagement Advisory of Oxford County is organizing an open house for the community.

The event is taking place at the Welkin Child And Youth Wellness Centre, featuring different activities available for kids.

Recorder for the YEA Serenity Henry says today's session will feature different activities, along with making the community more aware of their services.

"What we're trying to do is just make people in the community more aware of our services and why they are important, and so we're going to be having food and different events, such as face painting and painting."

Co-Chair Sydney van den Hoek says some attractions and community services will also be on hand. She says the event is designed to bring more awareness to children's mental health.

"We also will have some community services out and we're also going to have some therapy dogs, I believe a pony and Bumble Bee so that the kids will have something to look forward to. And we really just want to bring awareness towards children's mental health and the importance of it."

The open house is a part of celebrating Children's Mental Health Week. The YEA holds two branches in Elgin and Oxford County.

In addition to raising awareness, van den Hoek says this event will also bring attention to those who are misinformed about mental health in the community.

Henry says she hopes the event brings people out and makes them aware of the services Welkin have available to the community.

"We really just hope that they come out and even if they don't necessarily need the services they're aware that they're out there, if they per chance would eventually need them. Or maybe even by word of mouth they could inform others about the services that Welkin offers, so that we just maximize the amount of people that are aware of the services if they need them."

van den Hoek adds for those who are going through a rough time, the event will give them a chance to have a fun time.

"And even those who are going through a rough time, say today or not, we want to get some joy into their lives, make sure they have a fun time tonight and really just put it out there that you are supported through the community, there is help and you can get it."

The open house will run from 4:00pm-7:00pm and it is free to attend.