Local mental health support hub offers free talks to celebrate its anniversary
A Tiny Township-based mental health service provider is celebrating its fifth anniversary by offering a day of free virtual talks.
North Simcoe Therapy Network (NSTN) first opened up its doors on June 6, 2016. It offers a variety of different services, including psychotherapy and OHIP-covered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy groups.
"One of the reasons we started NSTN was to make sure that there was an alternative for those that have not had success with other mental health providers and services," said Sarah Durant, the founder and clinical director. "So we want to find the right fit for everyone that reaches out to us."
Durant says the last year has brought challenges for both staff and their clients. It has been operating on a total virtual model, with plans to welcome clients back for in-person services when it's deemed safe.
NSTN typically sees a decrease in demand for its services during the spring from those seeking support for mental health struggles but says that for the first time, demand has risen over the last few months. The rise in need comes as it prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary with a day of free, virtual talks with a team of professionals on June 6.
"We thought by providing a free day of mental health and wellness focussed sessions, we could do something in return for people and perhaps get the word out there that there are services that are accessible to people who may be suffering and not be aware of what's out there," said Durant.
One of the speakers is Juliana Lelli, who completed her grad placement at NSTN. She will be addressing support available for children and families.
"We can definitely see the impact of COVID on family children," says Lelli. "We see a huge rise in anxiety, of social anxiety with the isolation guidelines, and so we're hoping to support families with information about how to handle it."
While acknowledging it has been a challenging year, Durant says that NSTN will support those who need it, even guiding them elsewhere if it is a service that it doesn't offer.
"A lot of times, people will come to us feeling very defeated," says Durant. "They will have already tried a number of different resources to address their struggles. There are lots of things that can still be done and not to give up!"
For more information on Sunday's event, you can click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.