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Child and Youth Mental Health Week!

April 30, 2021

GET READY!

Monday, May 3rd is the start of Child and Youth Mental Health Week!

This year, we are inviting children, youth and families to participate in a Wellness Scavenger Hunt!

How to participate?

Download the Discovering Wellness Card.

Once you have completed as many tasks as you can, simply email a photo of the Discovering Wellness Card to engagement@compassne.ca and your name will be entered in a draw.

All participants will have a chance to win prizes from Beards, the Northern Lights Festival Boréal, UP Here Festival, Science North, CBC Sudbury and more!

The Wellness Scavenger Hunt will begin on Monday, May 3rd at 9 AM!

#discoveringwellness

Compass News

Compass Staff Redeployment

April 23, 2021

ATTENTION:

Due to increases in demand for our more intensive child and youth mental health services, Compass has made the following changes to our services.

Effective Monday, April 26th, and to meet the surging client demand for our more intensive services, mindSPACE will be reduced to 2 days a week only, on Tuesdays and Thursdays with no change in hours (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM). MindSPACE Sessions will be offered at the time the call is received and will no longer be scheduled for a later date. Clients who call mindSPACE on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will be encouraged to call back on Tuesday and/or Thursday. These changes to the mindSPACE service delivery are necessary to build further capacity to service children, youth and families who need more intensive services.

If you require immediate assistance, please call the Crisis Intervention Services at Health Sciences North at 1-877-847-1101.

The changes above will be in effect from Monday, April 26th until June 30th however Compass will continue to monitor the situation and implement further changes as needed.

Compass News

Join the Sudbury and Manitoulin Parent Support Group.

February 12, 2021

PLEO – Parents’ Lifeline is teaming up with Compass, Sudbury Catholic District School Board, Rainbow District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon and Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario to offer even more support to parents of children and youth who are struggling with mental health challenges in the Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts

The virtual parent support sessions will start on February 16th and will run for five weeks. The sessions will consist of four groups – two in English and two in French with a maximum of 12 participants per group. Two Family Peer Supporters will facilitate the groups.

To learn more about PLEO, please visit: https://www.pleo.on.ca/.

Compass News

Family Day is Monday, February 15th!

February 12, 2021

This year, families will not have the opportunity to celebrate Family Day in the traditional ways. We want to remind everyone to stay connected with your loved ones by phone or video chat and to spend time enjoying the outdoors with your family. Spending time outdoors not only improves your physical health but also your mental health and brings families closer together.

Please stay safe and continue following physical distancing guidelines.

Please note, Compass will be closed Monday, February 15th including mindSPACE and will re-open on Tuesday, February 16th, with its regular hours. If you require assistance, please call the Crisis Intervention Services at Health Sciences North at 1-877-847-1101.

Compass News

Have your say in Compass’ next strategic plan!

January 6, 2021

Compass needs your help to inform our new strategic plan.  If you are a youth (12 and older) or caregiver who wants to have your voice heard, please register for one of our virtual focus groups: http://compassne.eventbrite.com

Participants will receive $25 for participating.

Ontario’s Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium

Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium Applauds Investment to Help Respond to COVID-19 Pressures

December 18, 2020

On behalf of the 31 members of the Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium (LAC), consortium co-chairs Karen Ingebrigtson and Linda Dugas applaud the Government of Ontario’s announcement today of $29.5 M in one-time core services funding and $300,000 for secure treatment to address anticipated COVID-19 related pressures as Ontario moves into wave two of the pandemic.

The pandemic has made the safe delivery of mental health services to children, youth and families increasingly more difficult for the child and youth mental health sector. Lead Agency Consortium cochairs Ingebrigtson and Dugas said, “The one-time investment will help core service providers of mental health services and secure treatment to properly support Ontario children, youth, and families, as well as provide safe workplaces for the many mental health workers who deliver their care.” “Ontario’s lead agencies welcome all new investments that support the delivery of community-based mental health services,” said Ingebrigtson and Dugas.

The new investment —part of the Government’s overall investment of $147 M in mental health services across the lifespanwill help address the growing list of funding pressures as a result of COVID-19. The current pandemic serves to underscore how the level of annualized funding to support child and youth wellness is inadequate. As health care system planners, lead agencies are also reviewing what additional investments are needed to adequately support the mental health needs of Ontario children and youth through and beyond the pandemic.

Compass News

Compass Holiday Hours

December 17, 2020

Please note, Compass will be closed on December 24th and 31st at 4:30PM, including mindSPACE. The agency will also be closed on Monday, December 28th. If you require assistance during the Holiday Season, please call the Crisis Intervention Services at Health Sciences North at 1-877-847-1101.

Compass News

Compass receives a $25,000 grant from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund to support trauma training for caregivers of youth

September 24, 2020

Compass is happy to announce that we are the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund. The grant will support the expansion of Parent Psychoeducational Training Groups, which are evidence-informed groups for parents with youth who have experienced trauma and may be awaiting assessment or treatment in the Sudbury and Manitoulin area.

To learn more about the Parent Psychoeducational Training Groups, please call 1-800-815-7126.

To learn more about the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund, please visit www.Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

COVID-19

COMPASS IS SEEING CLIENTS IN-PERSON, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

July 6, 2020

Reminder:

Compass is now seeing clients in-person, by APPOINTMENT ONLY. If you are looking for Child and Youth Mental Health Services, please call our toll-free number 1-800-815-7126. Walk-in’s will be not accepted.

We are continuing to offer our services by phone or video conferencing.

Click here for more information: https://compassne.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

Uncategorized

Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2020

This year, celebrating our nation’s birthday looks a little different from coast to coast. Instead of gathering in groups to watch fireworks, celebrations are taking place virtually.

Check out the link below for National virtual Canada Day celebrations: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-day.html

Stay safe and follow physical distancing guidelines.

Please note, Compass is closed today but will reopen tomorrow, July 2nd.

#Canadaday

COVID-19

COMPASS IS SEEING CLIENTS IN-PERSON, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

June 30, 2020

Effective July 6th, Compass will begin seeing clients in-person, by APPOINTMENTS ONLY.

At this time, if you are looking for Child and Youth Mental Health Services, please call our toll-free number 1-800-815-7126. Walk-in’s will be not accepted.

We are continuing to offer our services by phone or video conferencing.

Click here for more information: https://compassne.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

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Annual General Meeting 2019-2020

June 12, 2020

Join us on June 23rd at 9 AM for Compass’s Annual General Meeting.

This year, the AGM will take place via Zoom Pro (Canadian Health Version).

To register, please contact Monique Levesque: MLevesque@compassne.ca

Compass News

Compass Stands in Solidarity to End the Fight Against Racism

June 9, 2020

Compass stands in solidarity to end the fight against racism. As the lead agency for Child and Youth Mental Health, we believe in creating an equitable future for the children, youth and families in our communities. We must continue to speak out, to listen and stand united in the fight to eliminate all forms of racism.

It is by questioning our own unconscious biases and educating ourselves that we can move forward to create a world without racism and discrimination.

Please see the list of resources regarding racism and discrimination: 

https://www.cbc.ca/books/25-books-about-being-black-in-canada-1.5596949
https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/kids-discrimination

We also invite you to share your readings and discoveries with us!

Webinar

FREE Webinars : Child and Youth Mental Health

June 3, 2020

Compass is offering free webinars for youth, families and community partners!

To register, please go to: http://compassne.eventbrite.com

COVID-19

Ontario Parent Survey Launch

May 28, 2020

McMaster University and Offord Centre for Children Studies released a survey to gather information on the health and well-being of caregivers and children with a focus on your experiences since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey.

Uncategorized

Child and Youth Mental Health Week

May 5, 2020

May 4 – May 10th marks Child and Youth Mental Health Week.

This year, bringing awareness to Child and Youth Mental Health will be a little different.  Instead of gathering together, we are inviting children, youth and their families to partake in activities to promote their mental health and wellbeing.

Follow us on Facebook at for a list of fun activities!

Monday: Backyard Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday: Yoga Session

Wednesday: Arts and Crafts

Thursday: Reading

Friday: Family Fun Cardio Workout

Compass News

Compass is wishing everyone a happy Easter and Passover!

April 9, 2020

This year, due to COVID-19, families will not have the opportunity to celebrate in the traditional ways by gathering together. We want to remind everyone to stay connected with your loved ones by phone or video chat in order to keep these traditions going.

Stay safe and follow social distancing.

Please note, Compass will be closed from Friday, April 10th and will reopen Tuesday, April 14th.

COVID-19

COMPASS COVID-19 UPDATE

March 16, 2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus situation, Compass is being proactive by cancelling all group programs (SNAP, FRIENDS, Triple-P) effective immediately, until further notice to assist with slowing down the transmission of the virus.

In addition, Compass will no longer be allowing face to face meetings with clients and walk-ins. Clients looking for mindSPACE services will be told to call the toll free number 1-800-815-7126 in order to speak to a clinician.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

COVID-19

Talking to Kids About the COVID-19 virus

March 12, 2020


News of the coronavirus COVID-19 is everywhere, from the front page of all the papers to the playground at school. Many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Here is some advice from the experts at the Child Mind Institute.

  • Don’t be afraid to discuss the coronavirus. Most children will have already heard about the virus or seen people wearing face masks, so parents shouldn’t avoid talking about it. Not talking about something can actually make kids worry more. Look at the conversation as an opportunity to convey the facts and set the emotional tone. “You take on the news and you’re the person who filters the news to your kid,” explains Janine Domingues, PhD, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Your goal is to help your children feel informed and get fact-based information that is likely more reassuring than whatever they’re hearing from their friends or on the news.
  • Be developmentally appropriate. Don’t volunteer too much information, as this may be overwhelming. Instead, try to answer your child’s questions. Do your best to answer honestly and clearly. It’s okay if you can’t answer everything; being available to your child is what matters.
  • Take your cues from your child. Invite your child to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel. Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. You want to be prepared to answer (but not prompt) questions. Your goal is to avoid encouraging frightening fantasies.
  • Deal with your own anxiety. “When you’re feeling most anxious or panicked, that isn’t the time to talk to your kids about what’s happening with the coronavirus,” warns Dr. Domingues. If you notice that you are feeling anxious, take some time to calm down before trying to have a conversation or answer your child’s questions.
  • Be reassuring. Children are very egocentric, so hearing about the coronavirus on the news may be enough to make them seriously worry that they’ll catch it. It’s helpful to reassure your child about how rare the coronavirus actually is (the flu is much more common) and that kids actually seem to have milder symptoms.
  • Focus on what you’re doing to stay safe. An important way to reassure kids is to emphasize the safety precautions that you are taking. Jamie Howard, PhD, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, notes, “Kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe.” We know that the coronavirus is transmitted mostly by coughing and touching surfaces. The CDC recommends thoroughly washing your hands as the primary means of staying healthy. So remind kids that they are taking care of themselves by washing their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or the length of two “Happy Birthday” songs) when they come in from outside, before they eat, and after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the bathroom. If kids ask about face masks, explain that the experts at the CDC say they aren’t necessary for most people. If kids see people wearing face masks, explain that those people are being extra cautious.
  • Stick to routine. “We don’t like uncertainty, so staying rooted in routines and predictability is going to be helpful right now,” advises Dr. Domingues. This is particularly important if your child’s school or daycare shuts down. Make sure you are taking care of the basics just like you would during a spring break or summer vacation. Structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes are an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy.
  • Keep talking. Tell kids that you will continue to keep them updated as you learn more. “Let them know that the lines of communication are going to be open,” says Dr. Domingues. “You can say, ‘Even though we don’t have the answers to everything right now, know that once we know more, mom or dad will let you know, too.’”

To read more, please visit: https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/

Ontario’s Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium

Ontario’s Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium Response Following the Release of the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Roadmap to Wellness

March 3, 2020

March 3, 2020

Statement from Ontario’s Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium Following the Release of the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Roadmap to Wellness

The 31 members of Ontario’s Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium (LAC) acknowledge the Ontario Ministry of Health’s effort to begin the process of redesigning Ontario’s mental health and addictions system with the release today of Roadmap to Wellness: A Plan to Build Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions System.

Following a careful review of the strategy, LAC members are concerned that Roadmap to Wellness contains little to nothing new for children’s mental health nor does the strategy propose the level of additional funding investment needed to meaningfully enhance the delivery of improved services for children and youth living with mental illnesses and addictions. Further, LAC members believe that implementing the measures proposed in Roadmap to Wellness will not result in creating equitable and immediate access to mental health and addiction services.

Lead Agencies have urged the Ontario government for new funding to support a comprehensive strategy for Ontarian children and youth and their families in need of mental health and addiction services and supports. Given the imminent tabling of the 2020 Ontario budget, the LAC calls upon the Ontario government to uphold its election commitment to invest in new, annualized funding for mental health and addiction services, particularly in the areas of reduced wait times and the expansion of overall supports and services for children and youth, including the care and treatment made available to Indigenous and Franco-Ontarians children and youth.

The Lead Agency Consortium is committed to the goal of continually improving child and youth mental health and addiction services in Ontario so that children and youth and their families receive the right services for their unique needs at the right time and in the right place. Lead Agencies have both the capacity and the expertise to act quickly and effectively so that new funding investments will deliver a system of high quality, timely, evidence-based, cost-effective child and youth mental health and addiction services that are locally-responsive and client centered.

To read the press release from the Ministry of Health, click here: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-unveils-plan-to-build-mental-health-and-addictions-system.html

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I need help now…

If you or someone you know is in crisis or feeling overwhelmed, please contact Crisis Intervention Services – Health Sciences North. 24 hour hotline—365 days/year 1.877.841.1101

I need someone to talk to…

MINDSPACE offers mental health services without an appointment for children and youth under 18.