> One in five children four
to sixteen years of age lives with some type of mental health
barrier.
> Mental health resources reach far too few children and youth.
> Untreated mental health problems have immediate and life-long
consequences for the child,
the family and our community.
The following programs are targeted to assist children and youth
between the ages of five and thirteen in understanding sensitive
issues directly related to mental health. The programs are
delivered free of charge through child- and youth-oriented
facilities. Our children's programs currently reach about
9,000 children in the region.
> Kids On The Block
and The Jelly Bean Gang
Kids On The Block features
life-sized puppets who, through the magic of live puppet
theatre, explain and define mental health problems, teach
children to understand feelings, provide children with an
introduction to problem-solving skills, and encourage them to
talk to trusted adults. This is an effective educational medium
with easily inserted activities for the formal classroom, youth
groups, and other child focused organizations.
The Jelly Bean Gang is a version for younger children.
>
Please Listen
Please Listen
is a six-week series of interactive, group discussions and
activities for children at risk of experiencing, or currently
experiencing, mental health problems.
The Challenge /
Change and Caring Circles enhance social skills and self-esteem. The
magic is in the power to educate, challenge, share and nurture
children when they come together in a caring and supportive group.
Children are made
aware of factors related to mental health issues such as
self-esteem, feelings and emotions, friendships and other
relationships.
Children and youth
can be referred to Please Listen programs by school officials and
area agencies. Each participating child receives resource materials
and a Certificate of Completion.
Please Listen is
currently designed to assist children and youth between the ages of
five and thirteen years of age in understanding sensitive issues
directly related to mental health.
Autism-focused
groups are also available.
> Youth
Alliance
Youth Alliance
supports young people twelve to thirty years of age who are
experiencing mental health issues as well as struggling with the
day-to-day challenges of teen life. The program is youth
driven - it's for youth and by youth. A youth advisory
committee helps with program design and material, and gives
input about services needed by young people.
The key
objective is to help youth use community services well.
Activities
include school presentations and workshops, focus groups, youth
and adult advisory committees, a youth information kit and our
newsletter.
The Youth Alliance Coordinator can be
reached by e-mail at
youthalliancekingston@hotmail.com
