Huron and Perth counties have launched a new mental health crisis support pathways guide for frontline staff to better support those with mental health needs.
Numerous community partners came together to make it happen, including the Avon Maitland District School Board. Mental Health Lead with AMDSB Heather Hirdes says this initiative isn't a program, but more of a roadmap.
"So it isn't a program, it's a service pathway to help guide frontline staff in a consistent approach to supporting mental health regardless of age and across the lifespan," Hirdes shared.
The pathway includes an instructional poster, video, and webinar for frontline staff to access.
This project was developed over the last two years with collaboration from Avon Maitland District School Board, Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth, Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board, Huron-Perth Centre for Children & Youth, Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, and the Listowel-Wingham and Area Family Health Team.
Hirdes says when it comes to students, this means more consistent direction and assistance.
"All of those folks who are supporting students in our schools, including our staff, will have this consistent training or this consistent approach in terms of how they can support, guide or direct students when they may be in crisis," said Hirdes.
Currently, Hirdes points out there is a three-tiered approach to helping students with mental health needs.
"So tier 1 is that prevention, tier 2 is supporting those with maybe mild to moderate mental health needs, and tier 3 are those folks who have maybe had a crisis or who really have some complex needs or issues happening," Hirdes noted.
According to a media release from Avon Maitland District School Board, the new mental health crisis support pathways guide is "designed to guide frontline workers through a consistent workflow that represents the services, supports, and rights of clients, and reflects our community's commitment to mandates such as 'Right Time, Right Care', and Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness."
According to Statistics Canada, in 2023 an average of 12 people died by suicide each day, translating to around 4,500 lives lost annually. There is a significant gender disparity, with men being affected at rates nearly three times higher than women. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults aged 15 to 34.
With that in mind during Children's Mental Health Week, which runs from May 5 to 11, as well as National Child and Youth Mental Health Day (May 7), Hirdes says the AMDSB is running a number of different events and awareness campaigns in schools to let students know that support is there.
"We're promoting mental health lobbying, so good wellness strategies and how we can take care of and support our mental health every day. But also promoting those community partners and those crisis lines like Kid's Help Phone or Huron Perth Crisis Response Team," added Hirdes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, support is available 24/7 through the Huron Perth Helpline & Crisis Response Team at 1-888-829-7484.