****Covid Disclaimer****
In response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we are constantly monitoring the situation and adhering strictly to all the provincial guidelines (BCCDC). We are back to meeting for in-person groups as of now and have restricted group sizes to help keep our participants safe and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The Steps Youth Program is a recreation-based group for North Shore youth experiencing challenges with their mental health. Our program aims to support young people dealing with mild to moderate mental health challenges by building wellness through social and recreational activities with a nature-based focus. Offered from September to June, the Steps program meets on a weekly basis as a group as well as provides one-on-one support time for the youth involved.
What happens?
Through fun and challenging recreational activities, Steps encourages youth to interact in a nurturing and non-judgemental environment while promoting healthy living habits. Activities such as hiking, yoga and skill-based learning build self-confidence and strengthen both social and personal fitness goals. Other activities in the past have included spin classes, indoor rock climbing, geocaching, ice-skating, swimming etc.
The program touches on all aspects of wellness aiming to equip participants with insight, skills and strategies for living and maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle. We prioritize a nature-based focus for the youth involved, as a means to facilitate a deeper connection with the natural world which has been shown to be therapeutic and have a positive outcome on one’s wellness.
An open group chat between the Steps coordinator and participants keeps youth connected and supported throughout the week. In addition, participants also receive one-on-one support from the Steps peer support workers
How does it help?
Steps has been proven to be effective in youth 13-18, with 100% of participants reporting a decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms. The older cohort (19-29) use this program to focus on their mental wellness for the long term, by coming weekly and building support systems for one another.
Clinicians are not only hearing that their clients enjoy Steps but are also noticing noticeable differences in their clients’ presentations. In the past, youth have asked to stay on with the program, as well as have introduced their peers to our program.
Who is it for?
Steps is offered in two Cohorts:
- Youth aged 13-18
- Older youth aged 19-29 (Steps+)
How can I get involved?
For more information or to join the program, contact Steps Youth Program Coordinator, Elysia Dalgarno.
elysia.dalgarno@cmha.bc.ca
(778) 866-2408
We are able to offer Steps for free to youth through the generous support of donors like you. To help us provide the Steps program to more North Shore youth, please donate.