Youth Wellness Hub Announced for Oxford

Tuesday, 13 August 2024 at 05:57

The Youth Wellness Hub will provide mental health, substance use, and primary care services to people between the ages of 12 and 25.

WOODSTOCK - A Youth Wellness Hub is on the horizon for Oxford County.

It's set to open in Woodstock next year and Wellkin Child & Youth Mental Health is leading the co-design with community partners.

It will provide people between the ages of 12 and 25 with access to mental health, substance use, and primary care services in one convenient location. Those living in the rural communities of Oxford will have access to a mobile hub, which will make it easier for them to drop in for in-person counseling or peer support.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones made the official announcement yesterday.

"Our government is continuing to take action to improve mental health and addictions services in communities across Ontario, and support people and their families living with mental health and substance use challenges. As we expand the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province, young people in Oxford County can connect to the mental health and addictions care they need, in one convenient location, closer to home."

The Oxford County hub will be one of ten new hubs to open across the province. Michael Tibollo, the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, says this will bring the grand total of 32 across Ontario.

"By continuing to expand our network of Youth Wellness Hubs, our government is ensuring youth across the province have convenient access to the highest-quality mental health and addictions supports, when and where they need them. Oxford County’s new Youth Wellness Hub will be a place for young people to feel safe and connected to a community that supports them and helps equip them with the tools they need to face life’s challenges."

Four of the new hubs will be located in Port Hope, Thunder Bay, Vaughan, and Brampton. The remaining five locations have yet to be announced, and the province says they will be funded through the 2024 budget with an investment of $8.3 million over three years.

Good news for Oxford's youth! The Youth Wellness Hub in Woodstock will provide essential services to young people across Oxford County, offering comprehensive support and high-quality care when they need it most.https://t.co/LgVARYhEcP
— Ernie Hardeman (@erniehardeman) August 13, 2024