United Way Perth Huron is helping build the next generation of engaged residents with the help of the Youth in Action Grants program.
This years project covered a wide range of local issues including mental health and building connections in the community across Perth and Huron.
This year’s YIAG projects covered a wide range of pressing local issues including mental health and building connections in the community across Perth and Huron.
Youth Week at the Municipality of West Perth allowed the West Perth Youth Advisory Committee to put on special events and programs for youth in West Perth celebrating National Youth Week and creating deeper community bonds.
Wellness Wednesdays at Stratford District Secondary School allowed youth to host four after-school workshops throughout the winter and spring to introduce students to visual art and drumming with the aim of expanding ways to cope with mental health challenges.
The Clubhouse at Stratford District Secondary School allowed youth to create a one-day school-wide scavenger hunt to promote social connection, plus social connection kits for teachers to sign out and use with their classes.
Connecting Girls Through Sport at St. Marys DCVI allowed the youth to host a basketball workshop for girls, Grade 6 to Grade 11, building a sense of community and giving girls a chance to step outside their comfort zone. The workshop featured the head coach and three players from the University of Guelph women’s team.
A mental health assembly at St. Marys DCVI allowed youth to reach their whole school featuring motivational speakers focused on anxiety and depression, breaking down stigma and offering coping strategies and resources.
Hockey fun at St. Marys DCVI allowed youth to run a ball hockey tournament for Grade 9 to Grade 12 students so they could get outside and be active.
Building picnic tables at St. Marys DCVI allowed youth to build several new picnic tables for their school after the old ones were vandalized. The project offered youth a chance to feel ownership and pride in their school.
A comedy show hosted by Mental Health Matters Wingham featured a Canadian comedian sharing their experience with mental health challenges, letting youth struggling with their own mental health issues know they are not alone.
A total of eight grants were given out of up to $1000 for each project.
