It was a process that started over a year ago and today, with the announcement of the Youth Wellness Centre opening next year, the efforts of the community spearheaded by Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky have borne fruit.
Local dignitaries were joined by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo and Northumberland Peterborough South MPP David Piccini for the announcement.
Port Hope’s Wellness Centre will be one of 10 new hubs being added to the existing 22 hubs in Ontario that hope to take a proactive approach to mental health and wellness in the province providing access to primary care, recreation, mental health and addictions support, education and career development as well as access to affordable housing and peer support in one location.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones told us it was an easy decision to make.
Starting in 2025, the new hub in Port Hope will be situated at 15 Cavan Street, which will be its permanent location. This hub will connect youth aged 12 to 25 and their families from Northumberland County and Alderville First Nation.
Jones commended the community’s collaborative approach.
“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,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Port Hope’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.”
Mayor Olena Hankivsky said she felt proud, humbled and excited by the announcement.
As reported in April, Mayor Hankivsky helped spearhead efforts by bring together Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo, our local MPP David Piccini and representatives from adult mental health associations, child and youth mental health and police services to discuss opening a youth wellness hub in the area.
Hankivsky called this hub an investment in our children’s future.
Port Hope Youth Delegation member Vladimir Khaimovich told us about the impact of Mayor Hankivsky.
The province says they will invest $3.8 billion over 10 years to fill gaps in mental health and addictions care, create new services and expand programs through Roadmap to Wellness.
“Our government realizes that there are youth across the province who need mental health supports closer to home, so they can continue to thrive in our rural communities. This new Youth Wellness Hub in Port Hope will serve the youth across Northumberland County and ensure they have sufficient wrap around supports and receive better quality care when they need it most.” – Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
