Press Release
Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hub
The Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hub (YWHO) held its official opening on October 21, and the newest facility for youth in our community impressed all who attended.
Located at 278 Nelson Street in Pembroke, overlooking the Ottawa River, the hub provides services related to mental health, substance abuse, peer support programs, navigation, access to primary care, and education for youth aged 12-25 at no cost.
The sprawling facility includes a therapy room, a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, craft room, music room, and supply room stocked with clothing, towels, hygiene products and more.
A monthly calendar of activities offers skills and well-being activities that youth can attend.
Many partners from local communities came together to make the site possible, along with support from the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care, YWHO and Renfrew Victoria Hospital.
“It’s great to see the space you have come together to build. It’s beautiful to see the vision come to life. Congratulations,” said Carley Lennox representative from the YWHO Provincial Team Executive in Toronto.
Local dignitaries, Mayor Mike Lemay, MP Cheryl Gallant, and a representative from MPP John Yakabuski’s office, extended their appreciation and congratulations on the new centre and services for youth.
Renfrew Victoria Hospital CEO Julia Boudreau noted that the joint proposal for a hub that would fill gaps in the system for rural youth living in Renfrew County was prepared by the Addictions Treatment Service (ATS) with the support of the Renfrew Victoria Hospital, and put forward to the Ministry by several community partners.
“Our vision was to build on our history of collaboration, to bring an innovative and integrated hub for youth that is multifaceted, to include youth in its design and that was accessible to all youth in the valley. Today, we are here celebrating that this vision has become a reality,” stated Boudreau. “Congratulations to every single partner and individual who has been involved in this project.”
Some of the partners in the initiative bring their services to the hub, making it easier for youth to connect and providing a one stop shop to help address a multitude of needs.
Youth can make an appointment by calling 613-570-8953, or by emailing [email protected]
In addition to walk-in/call-in, virtual services are also available to youth every Monday and Wednesday via electronic options such as video conference or secure messaging (text), or by phone.
The hub began welcoming youth in July.
One of those youth, Corey, shared what the hub means to her and some of her peers – a place to build skills, access counselling and support, have some fun and make new friends in a non-judgemental environment.
