Giving every youth a reason to smile
Learn about our peer support program, Just Be You, for youth impacted by mental health challenges.
[ purpose ]
Shine Out! Shout Out! raises awareness for youth mental health and funds the Just be You peer-to-peer mental health support program.
[ mission ]
Our mission is to give every youth a reason to smile, to feel connected, to know there is hope, and to know that they don’t have to suffer in silence.
“Just Be You has helped me to feel better about myself. I attend school more. It has become like family for me.”
Just Be You Participant
Hang out. Get connected. Feel supported.
If you’re between 12 to 26 years old* and feeling down, anxious, and stressed, you can Just Be You. JBY is a laid back, peer-to-peer support group for youth impacted by mental health and/or addiction issues. Hang out, get connected, and feel supported—on your terms.
*Age range varies based on location
when/where/ how
For the Oakville hybrid peer program, youth can join virtually from across Canada.
No diagnosis is required.
Tuesdays 7 pm – 8:30 pm (Hybrid and in person) – Oakville, ON – Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre
Wednesdays 4:30 -6 pm (hybrid) in Monteregie-Est, Quebec
Wednesdays 5 pm – 7 pm (in-person) Sydney, NS – Anchor Youth Space
Monthly social activities – virtual and in-person – ADAPT – Halton Region
Click on PEER SUPPORT in header for more info.
The need for peer support services
The area of peer-to-peer mental health support for youth is greatly lacking, yet studies show it is a valuable resource in providing hope and recovery for youth living with a mental illness.
Just Be You helps youth with coping and resiliency skills, improving self-esteem, increasing social connectivity, and connecting with resources.
[ donate ]
Help us to continue to run our successful peer support program to make a difference in youth mental health.
Our annual hockey tournament
Each year we hold a Shine Out! Shout Out! Hockey Tournament in support of the Just Be You peer support program.
There are draws, an auction, fun activities, information from community mental health groups, and of course hockey! The next tournament is on September 6, 2025.
Registration for players happens in the Spring before the tournament, and we have several opportunities for corporate sponsorship and donations to our auction.
Check Out Resources We’ve Found, Including Helplines
Kids Help Phone
(24/7, ages 20 and under, Canada-wide)
Call 1-800-668-6868
Text CONNECT to 686868
Live Chat (24/7, but may change)
Good 2 Talk
(24/7, Post-Secondary Student Helpline, Ontario and Nova Scotia)
Call 1-866-925-5454
Mental Health Helpline
(24/7, Ontario)
Call 1-866-531-2600
LGBT Youth Line
(4:00-9:30 PM Sunday-Friday, ages 29 and under, Ontario)
Call 1-800-268-9688
Text 647-694-4275
Live Chat