The Atlantic Wellness Centre has provided thousands of hours of free Counselling to youth.
Executive Director Andrew Leblanc says youth concerns can include anxiety, depression, relationships and even suicide. This year, the centre is currently helping hundreds of youth.
“We have around 350 to 400 clients. Since 2012, we have served over a thousand youth and we are aiming to have about 6100 hours of mental health services for the youth in our community by the end of 2018.”
Leblanc says there are ways parents can help.
“Talk to them. Make sure you have time in your family life where you are asking how their day was, and getting to know who their friends are, and learning as much about your kids as possible,” Leblanc says.
Counselling at the centre is provided to youth between the ages of 12 and 21.
“One of the things that I am personally surprised at though, at how many times we are asked for service for youth under the age of 12. There are definitely mental health issues present in he younger ages as well. Everyone is learning to deal with new emotions and deal with new social situations,” Leblanc says.