YMCA teams up with Walk Off the Earth for youth mental health awareness

She added, “When we took a look at the original lyrics, it was staggering how a message about the YMCA from 45 years ago is just as relevant and pointed today – but now we’re sharing that message with a focus on mental health tied to Y Mind.”

The Y Mind initiative is an early intervention mental health program helping individuals aged 13 to 18 cope with stress and anxiety with the support of health professionals. It is a seven-week program available at different YMCA facilities across the country, including in-person at the Cor Van Raay YMCA in Lethbridge.

The program is free thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Jennifer Petracek-Kolb, CEO of the YMCA of Lethbridge said, “We are proud to offer the Y Mind program here in southern Alberta. The number of stressors that today’s youth face can seem overwhelming, including the post-pandemic experience, school, and social media pressures.”

She continued, “We recognize that cost is often one of the biggest barriers for youth in need of mental wellness programs. Y Mind removes that barrier for youth 13 to 30 so they can get the help they need.”

According to a survey conducted in 2023 by Deloitte, close to half of Gen Zs (46 per cent) and four in 10 Millennials (39 per cent) report feeling stressed or anxious all of most of the time. The YMCA said Participants of the Y Mind program have reported reduced anxiety, improved well-being, and reduced feelings of isolation. More about the program is available at the YMCA website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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by Justin Goulet

YMCA teams up with Walk Off the Earth for youth mental health awareness

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