Weekly online conversation and connection for Sask. youth returns this week

The Teen Talk Tuesday series is being offered to youth aged 12 to 18, each Tuesday at 8 p.m. for the next four weeks. Last spring, Teen Talk hosted youth from all over the province and even some from other provinces.

“The youth can choose to share their screen or not share their screen, share their name or not share their name,” Lawrence said. “It is really going to be full of lightness, laughter, encouragement, and support.”

After having numerous conversations with families, youth, and clients over the last couple of weeks, Lawrence knew it was important to start this series again.

“I really think this is an incredible opportunity for our youth and I really hope to see many families and youth reach in and show up,” Lawrence said. “They will see how powerful and impactful it can be.”

Lawrence will be joined in the conversation by registered social workers of Prairie Hope Wellness Erin Moss and Mike Lang. Bailey Strachan, Alexis Epp, and Lauren Dean were all three instrumental in helping with the youth matter symposium and will be assisting with Teen Talk as well.

I am very pleased to share that with the collaboration of a team of community health professionals and volunteers who…

Posted by Laura Lawrence on Thursday, March 25, 2021

(Facebook/Laura Lawrence)

Dr. Robert Steffen is also part of the volunteer team who has seen the increase of mental health issues over the last year.

“Not that it wasn’t there before, but I think it has been amplified so much more,” Steffen said. “I think it is very important for youth to be able express themselves safely.”

The isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic has almost forced people online as they spend more time on social media, which Steffen said isn’t always healthy.

“We get addicted to opinions and how things should be on the surface but not really dealing with any real issues a little deeper down,” Steffen said. “There are superficial things that are happening and make people think they need to be a certain way but it isn’t real, and makes us loose touch with reality.”

Connecting with real people through Teen Talk Tuesday will be of great benefit, according to Steffen.

“I think the connection is the very important part that has gone down hill, especially in the last year,” Steffen said. “In whatever way we can, we should try to create ways to re-establish connections.”

Showing teens that there is always someone there for them is another important message Steffen hopes the youth will take away from the sessions.

“Nobody can take some of the bad things away that may happen to us, but we can have people that walk with us when we are going through tough things,” Steffen said.

Dr. Steffen has also been part of forming an Emotions Anonymous group of all ages and backgrounds in Melfort that meets weekly. The group is all about creating connection and erasing feelings of being alone.

Former assistant coach of the Humboldt Broncos Chris Beaudry has been invited to join as a special guest for next week’s session.

The series takes place over zoom and is free of charge for teens. Registration forms can be found here.

Individuals and businesses can also be involved with Teen Talk Tuesday as a sponsor for weekly giveaway wellness draws by contacting Lawrence directly.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser

by Angie Rolheiser

Weekly online conversation and connection for Sask. youth returns this week

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