A new space aimed at helping young people struggling with mental health and addiction issues has opened in downtown London.
The Youth Wellness Hub is located within Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) existing space at 332 Richmond Street. The site, geared for those aged 12 to 25, has been operational since the summer, but didn't officially open until Friday.
Ontario Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo and Associate Housing Minister Rob Flack joined YOU leadership, officials from CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services, municipal politicians, and local youth in marking the occasion.
"The Youth Wellness Hub is a great addition to London’s resources for mental health and addiction care," said Flack. "The youth in our community desperately need a place to go for help that is geared to their unique circumstances. Receiving the help they need in a timely manner can be a key factor in successful outcomes and brighter futures."
Through the provincially funded hub, young people will be able to access supports to address mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, training, housing, and other community and social services.
"This critical investment to provide young people with an inclusive, welcoming space where they can walk in and access a full range of services will help meet the needs of youth throughout London-Middlesex and beyond,” said Dr. Jo Henderson, the executive director of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario.
Since initial programming began at the hub in July, more than 80 youth have received mental health and substance use counseling, nurse practitioner services, skills and wellbeing programming, and referrals to other community programs. Now fully operational, the hub is expected to serve up to 500 young people annually.
The London-Middlesex hub is one of only 22 such facilities in the province.
Other hubs in the Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario network are located in Sarnia-Lambton, Algoma Region, Kingston, Sagamok Anishnabek First Nation, Sudbury, Toronto Thorncliffe Park, and West Toronto.