The strong messages from the day could be seen and heard throughout the Plex May 12. The ‘Share’ event was hosted by the Grey Bruce We C.A.R.E. Project.

Hub Staff

Hundred of students and adults from across Grey and Bruce counties descended onto the Plex in Port Elgin to Connect, Ask about, Reach out to and Engage - to increase awareness, understanding, compassion and support for youth mental health, at the ‘Share’ event hosted by The Grey Bruce We CARE Project May 12.

Students had a full day of talks in break-out sessions with local mental health professionals as well as youth with lived experience. The sessions covered a variety of topics including anxiety, depression, dealing with stress, self-care, Indigenous mental health and social media; with opportunities to develop coping strategies through workshops such as yoga, martial arts, self-care, mindfulness and pet therapy.

“We CARE is a collaborative with 14 different agencies. I think we’ve been together now for four years, and this is our third annual Share event,” said Co-Chair Ann Marie Deas May 12, adding that their goal with We CARE is to move around communities to give local youth and adults a chance to participate. “So we’re at Saugeen Shores today to reach this end of the two counties.”

Co-Chair Michelle Scobie of Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services said that the day is about furthering conversations between adults and youth and teaching youth about coping mechanisms. “Our exciting part is the coping mechanisms that are fun activities that everyone can do in their everyday life, that will help them in any situation. So whether you're suffering from something that’s related to a mental health difficulty or you’re just having a bad day, these are strategies that will help everyone live a healthy life,” said Scobie.

Keynote speaker Erica Humphrey started off the day with her talk “Have you considered being your own Superhero?” Humphrey explored how she broke the cycle of abuse, addictions and mental health challenges in her own life to become a sought-after speaker, fitness expert and author across the country.

Individual agencies associated with the ‘Share’ event can be reached through The Grey Bruce We CARE Project website. The website also offers resources relating to youth mental health. Visit wecaregreybruce.ca.

The ‘Share’ event hosted by The Grey Bruce We CARE Project took over the Plex May 12.

During lunch students were able to spend time with therapy dogs provided by St. John’s Ambulance May 12 at the Plex for the We CARE event. Seren, short for serendipity enjoyed the adoring fans.

Setting up for their restorative yoga session were Chelsea Weir (back) and Sue Peirson of Metta Wave in Port Elgin.

A handful of local vendors who support youth mental health and coping strategies were on hand for students to visit during the We CARE event May 12 at the Plex.