Vic High ­Leadership Group donates $2500 to the Victoria Youth Clinic to support ­healthcare ­services

›› Shannon K. Auringer

Mental health is something that we all think about and struggle with ­throughout our lives. It affects everyone in every phase and every age of their journey. This is something that the Vic High Leadership Group recognized and decided to be ­proactive about. Owen Erikson, Maggie Laver, Lilly Powell, Emma Hornell and Asia Le Mackay championed a three-day mental health awareness event called ‘Your Mind Matters: Let’s Talk about Mental Health’ for 710 students who attend Vic High. This week was made up of ­workshops, guest ­speakers, and entertainment such as hands-on Zumba, frisbee games, and a rugby game. Of course, no one can forget the fantastic spread of free food that was used to draw in the crowds in order to bring this important subject into the spotlight.

When asked about the biggest ­problem that affects today’s youth in regards to their mental health, Owen Erikson replied, “Self-diagnosis is a big problem.” ­Explaining what inspired the creation of this amazing event, Maggie Laver said, “These things really affect everyone in one way or another and it doesn’t get addressed enough. The idea is to erase the stigma and get it talked about and this could also give people the tools to help their peers.”

A Victoria Foundation grant is available for schools to give to a non-profit ­organization of their choice. The Vic High Leadership Group presented a $2500 cheque to the Victoria Youth Clinic, which is a walk-in clinic located at 533 Yates Street that provides accessible medical care and psychiatric and counselling services for youth. This clinic runs on limited staff and volunteer support, and, due to funding, is currently open 16 hours per week: Monday and Thursdays 3-7 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11-3 p.m. The Victoria Youth Clinic provides a safe and confidential place for teens to seek medical related help. If they require a service that the clinic does not provide, the amazing staff will be sure to refer them to the specialized program that they may need. Sara Gifford works in youth outreach and can be reached at 250-388-3552. The clinic’s website can be found at victoriayouthclinic.ca.

While lined up for the amazing wraps and veggies, grade 9 student Brit ­McDougal was asked what her thoughts were on the whole event. She said that she attended the bipolar workshop and the depression & anxiety workshop, stating that she found them really interesting and informative. She went on to say, “Even if you have a mental health disorder, it’s not a part of you. It’s not even a part of who you are; it’s just something you have.”

It was amazing and inspiring to see the youth of Victoria recognize such an ­important social issue, and hopefully we will see this initiative make its appearance again next year.