Mental Health in Motion raises over $100,000 for mobile youth clinic

More than 300 people turned out to walk, run or cycle to raise more than $100,000 at this year’s Mental Health in Motion despite gloomy weather on Sunday afternoon.

The event in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region and South Simcoe mobile youth clinic and youth programs kicked off at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in Newmarket with routes that included 60 and 20 mile bike rides kilometers and five kilometers. run or walk

“Rain aside, it was absolutely wonderful,” said Rebecca Shields, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association York and South Simcoe Region. “We’ve had rain in recent years, unfortunately, these days, but it hasn’t deterred people from coming, riding, showing up in their community, and I think that actually adds an element because people are making a commitment to be there and do something special despite the weather. It was another successful year.”

The Mobile Youth Clinic, MOBYSS, is a 35-foot RV that serves as a primary care office. It offers young people aged 12-25 a free, confidential and safe space to talk to a medical professional, mental health professional or receive peer support in a confidential and safe environment. The clinic visits high schools in York Region and south Simcoe County to help young people maintain their mental, physical and sexual health. It can include concerns about anxiety, depression, drugs, alcohol, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, or any other issues.

“Today, with rising rates of anxiety and depression in young people, with the challenges of substance abuse, such as cannabis and alcohol, which children have access to more easily than ever before, we need to be there to ensure that children who have need help to have immediate access when they need help,” Shields said.

According to the organization, approximately one in five children and youth in Ontario has a mental health challenge. About 70% of mental health challenges have their onset in childhood or youth. Early identification and intervention is critical and can lead to improved school and health outcomes.

“Seventy percent of mental illnesses start young, and like any type of illness, the earlier you catch it and treat it, the better the outcomes over time,” Shields said. “We need to give them immediate access to the care they need and the resources they need so they don’t lose their education, so they can keep their jobs and get on with their lives.”

Shields said it’s wonderful to see participants smile with pride as they carry a sign with the name of a family member or friend affected by mental health during the walk, run or bike ride.

“There is always someone in mind that we care about and love who is affected by mental health or illness. That’s why we show up and do this and raise money. I always say, ‘people do it to make the road a little harder for the person behind,'” Shields said.

In Canada, there were 36,708 children and youth hospitalized for mental health disorders and an additional 122,996 children and youth hospitalized for all other conditions in 2020, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

The mobile clinic served 2,500 youth in 2023. Since launching in 2015, it has served over 16,000 youth. Shields said she is grateful to the community for its participation in Mental Health in Motion.

“It takes all of us to make this work, and we are so grateful to be a part of York Region and the South Simcoe community,” Shields said.

The organization continues to tally all funds raised as donors complete their pledges. You will know the final amount by the end of July.

“We’ve been doing it for a long time, and we’re doing it because every year, our community comes together from all walks of life because mental health and mental illness affects everything,” Shields said.