Youth Matter is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering mental health education, support, and meaningful connections to youth in the community. (Laura Lawrence/Facebook)

By Rachel May

Mental Health for Youth

A local program is reminding teens that YOUth Matter

Mar 2, 2022 | 5:00 PM

A local wellness educator, author and mental wellness advocate is helping youth take charge of their mental health.

YOUth Matter is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to offering mental health education, support and meaningful connection opportunities for youth in the communities.

Laura Lawrence, an educator and founder of YOUth Matter told northeastNOW that the program teaches children healthy coping mechanisms.

“The mission is really to cultivate purposeful connections for kids in inclusive and safe spaces, giving them a voice and a stake in their own mental wellness journey.”

The organization started an initiative called Teen Talk Tuesday which came as a result of the pandemic when schools stopped offering in-person learning.

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Lawrence noticed that kids were feeling disconnected and wanted to help them feel less isolated.

“It’s given kids this sense of community and allowed them to come together consistently, and just talk about mental wellness.”

On the second Tuesday of each month, youth connect with one another and talk about issues they may be facing such as stress, anxiety, depression and much more. Participants are able to stay anonymous if they wish.

After each session, those who attended are provided with a list of mental health supports to contact if they are in a mental health crisis.

The program works to reduce the stigma around mental health and teaches preventative strategies to help kids before they feel overwhelmed.

As a mother of four and a teacher, Lawrence has seen the struggle children have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

” I think that there’s a lot of conversation that’s yet to be had about the impact. I personally would see and hear a lot that kids are resilient,” Lawrence added. “I think we have to be mindful and careful of glazing over some of the struggles and challenges that have kids have gone through in the last two years.”

As a non-profit organization, sponsors are needed in order to keep the program affordable for youth. Those interested in sponsoring or volunteering their time can visit the YOUth Matter website.

For youth experiencing a mental health crisis, you can text CONNECT to 686868 the Kid’s Help Phone or call 1-800-668-6868.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM