Giving every youth a reason to smile

Learn about our peer support program, Just Be You, for youth impacted by mental health challenges.

Explore Just Be You

[ purpose ]

Shine Out! Shout Out! raises awareness for youth mental health and funds the Just be You peer-to-peer mental health support program.

Read our story

[ 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.

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“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 15 to 25 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. 

when/where/ how

Youth do not have to be from Halton Region to participate. No diagnosis is required.  

NOTE: Just Be You is on pause for the summer. 

Thursdays from 7pm-9pm 

To Register click here or call 1-833-845-9355 x390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group of youth giving each other piggybacks.
Three female youth sitting on grass eating lunch and talking
Two male youth playing foosball while one female youth watches
Small group of youth snuggling together on the couch during Just Be You.
Group of youth giving each other piggybacks.
Three female youth sitting on grass eating lunch and talking
Two male youth playing foosball while one female youth watches
Small group of youth snuggling together on the couch during Just Be You.
Group of youth giving each other piggybacks.
Three female youth sitting on grass eating lunch and talking
Two male youth playing foosball while one female youth watches
Small group of youth snuggling together on the couch during Just Be You.

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.

Donate Today

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 raffles, an auction, fun activities, information from community mental health groups, and of course hockey! This year’s tournament is on September 9, 2023. (SOLD OUT)

Registration for players happens in the months before the tournament, and we have several opportunities for corporate sponsorship.

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Group of volunteers hold signs for various stations and events happening during the hockey tournament.
Michele Sparling and others pose for a photo on the ice.
Woman accepting the trophy for winning the hockey tournament.
Group of hockey players from the hockey tournament smiling on the ice.
Group of volunteers hold signs for various stations and events happening during the hockey tournament.
Michele Sparling and others pose for a photo on the ice.
Woman accepting the trophy for winning the hockey tournament.
Group of hockey players from the hockey tournament smiling on the ice.
Group of volunteers hold signs for various stations and events happening during the hockey tournament.
Woman accepting the trophy for winning the hockey tournament.

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

View Additional Resources