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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.