We are thinking of you all and hoping for easier times at some point.
Our main purpose for reaching out to you now is to share some good news - which is likely what we all need.
First, we are actively meeting families where they are through email, telephone support and online forums like our In the Know series where families connect with other families for an online conversation on topics that are important to them. We invite you to learn more, simply click on the button below.
If you are a family with a child or youth with mental health challenges, or maybe you’re concerned about their mental health, we get it as we are also families whose kids struggle with their mental health and we know things might be tough right now. We’ll listen, keep it real, and look for ways to help you. Connect with one of ourhttps://familysmart.ca/program/parent-youth-in-residence/at info@familysmart.caor call 1(855) 887 8004.
Our next piece of good news is that we are still celebrating National Child & Youth Mental Health Day on May 7th, a day started by our CEO, Keli Anderson in 2007.
More than any other year, we believe our “I care about you” message on Child & Youth Mental Health Day is needed more than ever. Evidence tells us that having good interpersonal, close relationships is above all other social determinants of health - and there is no health without mental health. For over 10 years, May 7th has been about building caring connections between young people and caring adults in their lives - and we will continue this focus for Child & Youth Mental Health Day because it really matters.
We are doing things this year on May 7th that we have never done before and rather than be nervous about these, we are excited and hope you all join us virtually.
Visit our May 7 site to find out more about the day and how you can participate:
Lulu was created as a mascot for FamilySmart to represent who we are as an organization, who we are as people who work for FamilySmart and to bring some lightness to what is often difficult times for young people managing mental health challenges and their families or caring adults. FamilySmart honours young people struggling with their mental health and their families or caring adults - and so does Lulu.
Lulu is a bright, playful, engaged, friendly, and perhaps a little shy, character. She is meant to be enjoyed by all.
Our own Graeme Partridge-David, FamilySmart Parent in Residence, created Lulu as he is also a very talented cartoonist.
Lulu is part of May 7th in a couple of ways and you will hear more about how Graeme created Lulu next week. We hope you love Lulu as much as we do!
We certainly can’t do this work without the support and encouragement of people like you. We remain committed to making things better for young people with mental health challenges and their families or caring adults.
Thank you for being on this journey with us - and for allowing us to be on your journey with you.
