Help Now! Join us on Tuesday, June 22nd at 11 AM for Compass’s Annual General Meeting.
This year, the AGM will take place via Zoom.
To register, please contact Monique Levesque: MLevesque@compassne.ca
Compass News
Annual General Meeting 2020-2021
June 2, 2021
News
Ontario’s Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium
Lead Agency Consortium Applauds Annualized Funding to Deliver Province-wide Virtual Walk-in Counselling
June 1, 2021
(June 1, 2021 TORONTO, ON): Children and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium (LAC) co-chairs Karen Ingebrigtson and Linda Dugas, applaud the Government of Ontario for its announcement today of annualized funding to support the delivery of province-wide virtual walk-in mental health counselling for children, youth and families.
For the past five months, members of the LAC, led by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) and Strides Toronto, have been moving forward with launching a province-wide model to deliver virtual counselling services to children, youth and families. The provincial program, planned to launch in 2021, will offer rapid access virtual walk-in counselling, plus an entryway into ongoing mental health services.
“During the pandemic, children, youth and families responded favorably to connecting virtually with clinicians and mental health services. For many families —in particular, those living in remote and underserved regions of Ontario— virtual access to mental health services eliminates the burden of travel and wait times while enhancing service levels,” said LAC cochairs Ingebrigtson and Dugas.
Strides Toronto CEO Janet McCrimmon and HDGH President & CEO Janice Kaffer added, “The pandemic revealed the child and youth mental health sector’s ability to pivot quickly and to tailor our services to support virtual connections with youth and families. The children, youth and families we serve will benefit immeasurably from the availability of one-number, virtual access to mental health counselling —regardless of where they live in Ontario.”
Given the funding announced will be annualized, LAC will redouble its efforts to implement a new innovative and connected virtual walk-in counselling program, affirming the pledge of Ontario’s child and youth mental health service providers to meet clients and families in a manner best for them.
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For more information, please contact LAC executive director Patrick Dion, executivedirector@lac-car.ca, 613.297.4028
Compass News
Compass Family Engagement Initiative Survey
May 6, 2021
Compass is currently developing a Family Engagement Initiative aimed at integrating the family voice in all we do.
Family engagement is an ongoing process that includes families as active decision makers and equal partners in service delivery at individual, organizational and system levels. When the family voice is imbedded into system initiatives, it not only increases community awareness, it also helps to reduce stigma around child and youth mental health.
In order to gain a better understanding of the current state of family engagement practices in our community, we have partnered with the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health who has developed a short survey aimed to guide our work in this area.
The survey should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete and will be open for 2 weeks. Please click on the link below to access the survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8RL7HBN
We thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences. If you have any questions, please contact engagement@compassne.ca.
Ontario’s Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium
Statement by Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium
May 5, 2021
May 3, 2021
Toronto, Ontario
Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium co-chairs Karen Ingebrigtson and Linda Dugas, today issued the following statement for Mental Health Week:
“We are using this week to add our voice to the call for governments to make additional investment in mental health supports for children, youth and families. During Mental Health Week, communities across Canada are underscoring the urgent need for improved access to mental health supports and services.”
“The pandemic has emphasised the vulnerability of children and youth to mental illness. Children and youth have faced increased mental health struggles, magnified by province-wide lock downs, school closures and virtual learning. Parents —in particular, those raising school-aged children— have faced similar challenges.”
“As Ontario moves toward a time when vaccination levels reduce the daily threat of COVID-19 and the resumption of normal life returns, mental health supports and services to lift the wellbeing of children, youth and families will not lessen —but redouble.”
“The long-term and lasting effects of the pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of children, youth and their families cannot be underestimated. Lead Agency Consortium members urge the Government of Ontario to begin to plan and invest now. Ontario’s future leaders are depending upon all of us.”
Should you need to access child and youth mental health services in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, please contact Compass at 1-800-815-7126.
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The Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium, representing the lead agencies from 33 service areas across Ontario, is committed to the goal of continually improving child and youth mental health services in Ontario so children and youth and their families receive the right services for their unique needs at the right time and in the right place.
Uncategorized
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 lifespan— will 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/
Uncategorized
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:
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