Being young is hard, and kids today are already struggling – add the COVID-19 pandemic on top of that, and you’ve got a province full of youth needing support.
Prior to the pandemic, 1 in 7 young people in BC had one or more mental health disorders. Since the onset of COVID-19, these challenges have been compounded, and recent reports show that 2 out of 3 of young people in the province are now experiencing mood swings, anxiety, and/or suicidal thoughts.
Without any support while experiencing the above, many young people could turn to destructive coping behaviours that could have lasting consequences.
Youth is already a time of relentless uncertainty, anxiety, and trepidation, and many don’t find stability or safety either at home or at school.
The good news is, one local program is offering the support our youth so sorely need.
Take a Hike Foundation empowers youth who experience vulnerability to change their lives with a full-time mental health and emotional well-being program embedded in an alternate education classroom.
The program helps youth find their way by – and they do so by immersing them in nature – integrating clinical therapy supports along the way that are critical to their mental health and well-being.
While engaging in regular outdoor adventures, Take a Hike envelops youth in a safe and caring community.
Every dollar invested in Take A Hike returns a $7 social return—and this is where you come in.
By donating to Take a Hike today, you can change the lives of youth this holiday season and support them in developing resilience and better mental health while they build a new path forward in life – even during the pandemic.
Take a Hike Foundation is growing and now serves Vancouver Island youth with programs in Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and a full program opening in Saanich soon!
The Take a Hike Saanich program will serve the needs of up to twenty vulnerable youth in grades 10 to 12.
If you are a youth that would like to apply to the Take a Hike program in Saanich, or a parent or counsellor looking for information, you can sign up for Take a Hike’s newsletter here.
