Ontario Making It Easier for Youth in Port Hope to Connect to Mental Health Services

The Ontario government is making it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use services by launching a new Youth Wellness Hub to serve Port Hope and surrounding areas. This is one of the 10 new hubs that the government is adding to the network of 22 hubs already opened since 2020, bringing the total to 32 across the province.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is continuing to take action to improve mental health and addictions services in communities across Ontario, and support people and their families living with mental health and substance use challenges,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we expand the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province, young people in Port Hope can connect to the mental health and addictions care they need, in one convenient location, closer to home.”

In Port Hope, the new hub will be permanently located at 15 Cavan Street, beginning in 2025. It will connect youth aged 12 to 25 and their families in Northumberland County and Alderville First Nation, to convenient and free mental health, substance use and primary care services in a safe, youth-friendly space. Rural communities in the area will also be supported by a mobile hub model, making it easier for youth to drop in for in-person counselling or peer support close to their home.

Other services provided through the hub will also include family support, education, employment, housing and access to community programs such as financial assistance for recreational programs and legal support. These services will focus on delivering culturally appropriate and trauma-informed care.

“By continuing to expand our network of Youth Wellness Hubs, our government is ensuring youth across the province have convenient access to the highest-quality mental health and addictions supports, when and where they need them,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Port Hope’s new Youth Wellness Hub will be a place for young people to feel safe and connected to a community that supports them and helps equip them with the tools they need to face life’s challenges.”

With Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the government has significantly expanded the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province to make it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use support, primary care, social services, and more.

“Our government realizes that there are youth across the province who need mental health supports closer to home, so they can continue to thrive in our rural communities. This new Youth Wellness Hub in Port Hope will serve the youth across Northumberland County and ensure they have sufficient wrap around supports and receive better quality care when they need it most.”

David Piccini
MPP, Northumberland—Peterborough South

“Today marks a momentous occasion as we celebrate the grand opening of the Youth Wellness Hub. This innovative initiative stands as a beacon of hope and support for our young people, offering a comprehensive range of services from mental health and substance use supports to primary health care and social integration. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Province for their invaluable partnership and generous funding, which made this vision a reality. By investing in the well-being of our youth, we are investing in the future of our community. Let’s continue to empower our young people to thrive, not just survive, in these challenging times.”

Olena Hankivsky
Mayor, Municipality of Port Hope

EN: Ontario Making It Easier for Youth in Port Hope to Connect to Mental Health Services | Ontario Newsroom

FR: L’Ontario facilite l’aiguillage des jeunes de Port Hope vers des services de santé mentale | Salle de presse de l’Ontario