New youth community hubs are launching across Midwestern Ontario this summer to provide more wellness support to ages 12 to 25.
The Well Community Collective already has hubs in Exeter and Stratford and will soon be coming to Goderich, Listowel, Kincardine, Saugeen Shores and Owen Sound.
Executive Director Shannon McGavin says many youth are in crisis and there's a dire need for these services.
"We know that right now, youth don't walk into places and say 'I could use some mental health supports,'" she said. "This give them an opportunity to walk in, develop relationships with staff, and have those one-on-ones with peer mentors or actual clinical staff who provide mental health and substance use support... it really is a complete wraparound support for youth."
Each hub partners with other community groups, with the Stratford hub collaborating with the YMCA Three Rivers and the Exeter one working with Huron County Library. Its part of the community-led initiative that reimagines how youth access services, and also helps with the costs of a bricks and mortar location.
McGavin says the Exeter hub has been running for almost a year and response has been strong.
"We have about 25 to 30 youth showing up each day we run the program, it's phenomenal," she said. "We are open 3 to 7 p.m. right now, but we're actually looking at expanding the hours, we're really seeing the need in Exeter. We don't want to interfere with the school day but it's also to make sure that even youth that aren't attending school, to expand those services to them so we can get them back to school."
In order to expand those services, a fundraising campaign was launched earlier this month, with a goal of raising $6 million. After receiving donations from organizations like Bruce Power, Kinectrics and CANDU Reactors from AtkinsRéalis, the Well has already raised over $1,150,000.
McGavin says the campaign cabinet is aiming to hit the goal within a few years.
To learn more about the Well, or to support their efforts, visit their website.