A new initiative that offers real time online support to Canadian families.
Thanks to the financial support of the Telus Friendly Future Foundation, our long-term dream of providing online support to parents is now a reality.
Why this new initiative is so important
In a post pandemic world, we are seeing problematic substance use intersecting with mental health challenges at a much greater scale. Youth have always been vulnerable, but especially now.
- Last year, only 1 in 4 youth reported excellent or very good mental health and close to half don’t anticipate a bright future.
- Young people are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group
- 90% of people struggling with addiction began using substances in adolescence.
- 1 in 3 teenagers had been offered drugs at a party. Nearly half don’t really know how to refuse them.
- Average age of experimentation is: alcohol = 13.4 years old; cannabis = 14 years old
“No one, especially youth, should have to face their mental health and substance use challenges alone.” — Michel Rodrigue, President, and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).
When faced with these concerns, parents often feel alone and unsure about how they can help their children. Now, more than ever, we need to find simple and effective ways to connect, so Canadian families can have the information and support they need.
A safe virtual space for parents to get real time answers and support.
The Parent Support Hub, developed with the support of the Telus Friendly Future Foundation, offers families a safe virtual space for families to get answers to questions about their child’s substance use.
The Parent Support Hub provides parents with access to:
- An interactive chat box or phone line with care representative available 24/7 to answer their specific questions about youth substance use;
- A vital link to relevant professional supports, including when necessary, the ability to schedule counselling with a practitioner who specializes in youth mental health and substance use for short term counselling.
There is nothing like the Parent Support Hub in Canada. With this unique suite of support services, parents and trusted adults are no longer alone as they search for assistance. DFKC and the Hub will help them find what they need.
Hub users have increased access to guidance for their questions about youth drug prevention, harm reduction and treatment resources no matter where they live in the country, including remote and typically under-served regions, who may face greater vulnerability to these issues.
Thanks to the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for helping to improve health and wellness outcomes for Canada’s youth. Together, we’re making a positive difference!
Update: We’re thrilled to announce that the The Parent Support Hub is now active online and providing support to parents looking for answers and support for their children’s substance use, wherever they are in the country.
