Brandon Community Youth Wellness Forum (September 20, 2023)

SAVE THE DATE:  Wednesday, September 20, 2023 (from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm)
Location: Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School, 1930 - 1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba 

Join 19 local community organizations for information and access to resources that promote wellness and raise awareness of issues affecting youth. Presentations and topics covered during this event are intended for parents/guardians and students in Grades 7-12. 

If you have any questions, or require any accessibility accommodations to attend this event, please email: info@bsd.ca

Community booths and/or presentations will be available from the following organizations:

• Addictions Services – PMH 
  Addictions Services-PMH provides a range of prevention and education services on alcohol, drugs, and gambling throughout PMH. These services are designed and delivered to reduce the demand for, involvement with and the impacts of alcohol, drugs and gambling.
  In this work, Addictions Services-PMH is involved with various community-based initiatives, working groups and partners. Our services are delivered to a broad range of individuals, from youth to older adults. Addictions Services-PMH strives to meet the needs of the community in a wide range of settings, including community organizations, schools.
  
  Lorrie Norquay and Rob Shinske from Addictions Services Family Program will present on how substance use affects the family unit. 
  
  
• Al-Anon 
  The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
   
• Brandon Bear Clan 
  Brandon Bear Clan Patrols are a community-based solution to crime prevention, providing a sense of safety, and solidarity. 
  
  
• Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation 
  Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, is a non-profit organization, strives through advocacy, capacity building, provision of knowledge and sustainable funding from various sources to challenge and empower all citizens of the neighbourhood.
  Through partnerships with a number of government agencies and community groups and organizations, the BNRC delivers meaningful programs that strengthen housing choices, improve recreational and leisure amenities, build economic opportunities, strengthen community potential, and create safe, attractive and inviting neighbourhoods.
  
  The Apprenticeship Incentive Program is funded in part by the Government of Canada to provide incentives to (SME's) small and medium sized enterprises (maximum 499 employees) to hire 1st year apprentices in Building Trades.  Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC) is delivering this program across MB to create awareness about Apprenticeship program in elementary, trade schools and among the business community. 
  
  
• Brandon Police Service – School Resource Officers 
  Brandon Police Service has two School Resource Officers, one for the high school student population, and one for the elementary and middle years school children. The school liaison officers combine education, crime prevention, and community relations to meet the diverse needs of residents in the Brandon school community.  School Resource Officers hope to reach goals such as promoting the police as an accessible community service, elimination of barriers between youth and police, and prevent crime while enhancing community safety through education.
   
• Brandon School Division – Student Services 
  The Brandon School Division Student Services Department provides a wide array of supports for all students including service and support from School Counsellors, Resource Teachers, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Speech Language Pathologists. 
  
  Please join us for an overview of the types of services we are able to offer to students and families in the Brandon School Division.
  
  
• Child & Adolescent Treatment Centre PMH (CATC) 
  The Prairie Mountain Health Child and Adolescent Treatment Centre (CATC) provides a range of mental health services for children and youth experiencing emotional, behavioural and mental health problems. 
  
  CATC has a multi-disciplinary treatment team that delivers assessment, individualized treatment planning, individual and group therapy, mental health education, and family support. Program components include Community Services, Day Treatment Programs, Crisis Stabilization Unit, Education, and Early Psychosis Intervention services. CATC will be providing two presentations about youth mental health, specifically anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and ADHD.  
  
  Mental Health – From Wellness to Illness: Amanda Winder will review common mental illnesses, what defines a mental illness and explore the continuum of mental health, from wellness to illness.  
  Mental Wellness Together: Alanna Hermary will provide an interactive session for parents and youth that will explore ways parents and caregivers can support their child’s mental health and wellbeing. 
   
• Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre
  The Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre provides family support and education to families.  We offer parenting classes, support groups and various family activities.  We have childcare and transportation to assist families to attend.  Additionally, we have a thrift store on site.  We also have a volunteer program and would love to hear from you if you are interested.  Our programs are free to attend and open to the entire community.
  
  Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre’s Coordinator, Lisa Ramsay, will provide brief overview of the programs and services available at the Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre and in the larger community.
  
  
• Four Sacred Hearts 
  Four Sacred Hearts is a grassroots Indigenous-lead organization dedicated to healing from addictions, second and third inter-generational trauma and the impact of the residential school system. As an organization, Four Sacred Hearts works to break cycles by re-connecting Indigenous people with culture and community through compassion, learning from others, and offering the gift of drumming (the heartbeat of Mother Earth) as healing medicine. Four Sacred Hearts is committed to de-colonizing Indigenous People with an important connection to mentorship with youth, meeting them where they are at and helping to correct their path. 
  
  Four Sacred Hearts will be sharing stories of wisdom, healing, understanding, and providing education on how four ex-gang members from Manitoba changed theirs lives to work for the Creator through a one-hour session in the CPRSS Drama Room.
  
  
• Health Promotion Team PMH 
  PMH Public Health Nurses coordinate all Teen Clinics in the Brandon High Schools and between our 2 programs (Health Promotion and Public Health) we will be sharing information with students/parents about the services that Teen Clinic provides on a monthly basis in each high school as well as information regarding some emerging public health issues related to the health of Manitobans. The Health Promotion Team will be providing information related to youth vaping, by sharing health information, ideas for using a harm reduction approach and conversation starters to support parents in addressing this area of concern with their children. There will also be an opportunity to explore youth screen use and it’s impact on youth mental health.
   
• Huddle Brandon 
  Huddle is a safe space for youth ages 12–29, offering free, trauma-informed, and culturally safe health services in a youth-friendly atmosphere. Whether youth want to meet with a mental health counselor, Elder or Knowledge Keeper, career advisor, peer supporter, or nurse practitioner, you can do it in the comfort of Huddle Brandon. If youth need help, or just a safe space to hang out and feel welcomed, Huddle's doors are open and we’re here to listen.
  
  Our presentation will provide a brief overview of how Huddle came to be, our vision, goals and mandate to provide integrated youth services in our community. We will provide education regarding our services and programming and how parents, youth and community partners can access Huddle.
   
• SCO Jordan’s Principle (BSD School Coordinator) 
  The SCO Jordan’s Principle Coordinators assist First Nation children and youth (up to 18 years of age) and their families in school divisions in southern Manitoba to access programs, services, and supports to improve health, education, and social outcomes for First Nation children.
  
  Sheryl Playford be presenting information related to how Indigenous families in our schools can access supports to assist with meeting children’s needs, from the application process and referrals to appropriate Jordan’s Principle organizations, tribal councils and band offices. 
   
• Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba
  Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) is a not-for-profit organization founded by Gwen Finnen in 1983 as the Society for Depression & Manic Depression of Manitoba. It is a self-help organization dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy for those living with mental health illnesses through peer support and other services. Today, MDAM operates throughout Manitoba, supporting those affected by mood disorders, their friends, families, caregivers, and supporters. 
  
  Our “What are Mood Disorders” presentation is about Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba and what we do and provide as an organization to Western Manitoba. The presentation also outlines what mood disorders are, describes how they occur, and provides people with coping mechanisms if they experience any of the symptoms that we highlight in the presentation.
   
• Samaritan House Ministries Inc. 
  Samaritan House Ministries Inc aimed to reach out and help those people in Brandon and its neighboring communities who were in need. Through our Food Bank and Resource Centre, Safe and Warm Shelter, our programs at the Training Centre and Employment Resource Centre, and our second stage housing for women and children fleeing domestic abuse; literally hundreds of people are assisted every month.
   
• Sexual Exploitation Awareness Team (SEAT Westman) 
  Sexual Exploitation Awareness Team (SEAT) Westman is a team of local representatives and community advocates that work to raise awareness about sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and youth in Manitoba. We achieve this through public awareness initiatives and educational events for both youth and caregivers. SEAT Westman is funded by Tracia’s Trust through the Province of Manitoba. 
  
  
• Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC Brandon) 
  Sexuality Education Resource Centre provides inclusive, non-judgmental education about sexuality. We believe that people have the right to accurate information on all their choices. By respecting people’s cultures and beliefs and challenging only ideas and not people, the Sexuality Education Resource Centre has become Manitoba’s primary source for sexuality and reproductive health information and advocacy. We are a pro-choice, feminist organization committed to respectful and judgment-free safe spaces and equitable access to evidence-based information. 
  
  Chris Romaniuk and Marshall Morrisseau will discuss the services provided by the Sexuality Education Resource Centre within Brandon and the surrounding communities. A range of topics will be covered, including our 2STLGBQ+ program, youth program, harm reduction program and more. Join us to learn more about SERC and how we support our diverse community.
   
• Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN)
  Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) is a Brandon and area network of community partners and individuals working together to promote wellness and reduce the risk of suicide. Our goals include identifying people at risk; enhancing awareness of crisis services and community resources; encouraging people in distress to seek help; and providing supports to those bereaved by suicide. Our Network meets the last Monday of every month, excluding July, with both in-person and virtual attendance options.
   
• The Joy Smith Foundation 
  The Joy Smith Foundation is a national, not-for-profit charity. It is Canada’s leading authority on the prevention and intervention of human trafficking and provides support for survivors of this horrific crime. The Joy Smith Foundation has helped over 7000+ human trafficking survivors and their families restore their lives by reuniting, healing, and integrating back into their communities. There is hope! Survivors can heal. Families can be reunited. Justice can be served.
  
  Our presentation will introduce the community to the topic of human trafficking in Canada. It would provide an overview of how it happens, who is vulnerable, how predators work and online safety. 
   
• Westman Families of Addicts
  Westman Families of Addicts was born out of one Mother’s recognized need for support dealing with the trauma of the addiction crisis within families. What she thought would begin as a small coffee group soon turned into a support group with over 200 families! Supporting one another turned into advocacy, resources, sharing, and fighting for the supports sorely needed for families. Additionally, our support extends to the mentally ill substance abusers in our community and province. Our main goals aside from support are education, awareness, and reducing stigma in order to create a healthier and safer community. We can be found online and at our monthly community meetings where we celebrate success, find solutions to hurdles and educate ourselves. This is all done in a judgement free, safe zone of families and friends.