Health Canada Investment Enables Valoris and CHEO to Enhance Youth Mental Health Services

This four-year funding of $902,769 will allow Valoris to increase the capacity of its youth mental health team. Designed for adolescents experiencing suicidal ideation and their parents or caregivers, the program addresses an urgent need in the community by providing faster, more timely access to mental health services.

“This contribution allows us to meaningfully enhance our youth mental health services and intervene more quickly with youth experiencing suicidal distress, and their families. Investing in evidence-based, accessible approaches in both official languages is essential to supporting the long-term well-being of our communities,” said Caroline Granger, Executive Director of Valoris for Children and Adults of Prescott-Russell.

The BRAVA program is offered in a six-week group format with rolling registration, allowing participants to join at any time without having to wait for a new group to begin. Adolescents and their parents or caregivers participate in separate groups, with the goal of strengthening family bonds and reducing suicidal ideation.

“Timely access to mental health care is essential - especially for vulnerable youth and their caregivers. This partnership brings evidence-based support into the community, in both official languages, so more families can get help close to home - when it matters most", mentions Dr. Allison Kennedy from CHEO.

The funding will also support the translation and validation of the BRAVA program into French, allowing it to be offered in both official languages. This initiative aims to ensure equitable access to specialized services for Francophone youth and families, particularly in rural areas.

“Community organizations play a vital role in improving youth mental health, as they understand the needs and realities of young people in their communities, especially those facing significant barriers to accessing care,” said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “Through Health Canada’s Youth Mental Health Fund, our government is helping young people access mental health care in environments where they feel safe and supported. Caring for young Canadians today means building a strong Canada for generations to come.”

Valoris plans to offer the BRAVA program on an ongoing basis in both French and English across three regions of Prescott-Russell, creating a new access point to youth mental health services within local communities.