HANDS offers new on line service for youth

Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca has started a new on line webchat service

. It’s called SafeSpot.ca, and it’s for young people who may need to talk more about how they’re feeling and coping with the pandemic.

The Director of Child and Youth Services at HANDS says mental health is vitally important during COVID-19 with widespread feelings of anxiety, fear and isolation.

Michelle Dermenjian says we learned that a web chat could help reduce the stigma that youth often saw as a barrier to their decision to seek help.

SafeSpot.ca also provides the anonymity youth seek, minimizes wait times and provides a way to receive more immediate attention for their mental health concerns.

She says the service was designed by youth, for youth

(photo by station staff)