Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hubs celebrates new location in Renfrew
May 06, 2024
Youth Wellness Hub partner group.
Partner representatives, members of the community, youth and staff gathered at the myFM Centre in Ma-te-way Park on May 3 to officially kick off a new Youth Wellness Hub (YWHO) in Renfrew.
YWHO is a network of hubs across Ontario that aims to provide youth with a ‘one-stop-shop’ for services in communities where gaps exist in the system. The hubs are open to youth 12 to 25 years old and offer primary care, mental health and addictions services, service navigation assistance, and peer support, as well as education, skills and wellbeing activities, employment, and housing help, and more.
The Renfrew County hubs were established through collaboration and the integration of services among many organizations, and came about after the original proposal drafted by Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH), Addictions Treatment Service (ATS), and local partners was submitted in 2017. The Pembroke YWHO site was established in 2022.
“This even being a reality is a testament to integration and collaboration. None of this happens without many people coming together behind the scenes. Huge thank you to all for everything you have done to bring together this innovative and integrated hub for youth that includes youth leadership and co-design,” stated Alison Green, RVH VP of Corporate Services.
Matteo Schwartzentruber from Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario was on hand to congratulate the Renfrew County team. “It’s really easy to see the hard work that is a part of this. It is really exciting to see all the work that’s happening to reach every youth across Renfrew County. Sincere congratulations on everything you’ve done.”
Kim MacLeod, ATS Service Director, said the day was all about gratitude and acknowledged the partnerships and partner wall of honour in the new centre. “This has been a journey and it’s so nice to see it come together. In terms of today, we are fulfilling the youths’ wish – this means that anyone 12-25 in Renfrew County can now visit one of the sites within 45 minutes to an hour.”
MacLeod stated that transportation to the centres is one of the biggest barriers facing youth in Renfrew County and noted that transportation is provided from schools to the centres to ensure they are accessible to all.
Two youth were on hand to share their experiences at the hub. Aiden said YWHO is “a fun place to hang out and meet new people.” Faith shared, “I mostly came here to make friends and learn how to cook. I honestly love coming here because everyone is so respectful and supportive to each other.”
The Renfrew YWHO is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pembroke hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop-in time for core services is 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and appointments can be made between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Fridays - Virtual services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 613-570-8953 or email renfrewcountyywho@gmail.com All services are free of charge.