Child and Youth Mental Health and Wellness Workshops and Presentations

Book workshops with Sheryl Boswell Youth Mental Health Consulting. A portion of its profits will be donated to Youth Mental Health Canada.

We know that the global pandemic has resulted in massive change and uncertainty which has impacted the mental health and wellness of all people. We also know that the return to school has created challenges for young people and families across Canada. Many people have questions about ways to support mental health and wellness.

YMHC Education and YMH Consulting present virtual workshops and presentations to students from elementary to postsecondary and parents/caregivers, school staff and employees in a variety of educational, workplace and community settings. Workshops and presentations can be tailored to your needs.

An estimated three children in every classroom suffer from a diagnosable mental health challenge. Behind those numbers is a general trend to increased levels of stress and anxiety and lower levels of wellbeing. Students need education to include how to understand and look after their mental health – just like we learn how to look after our physical health. By shifting the focus to preventing mental health problems and supporting young people, we can do so much to improve the lives of so many.

Mental health issues in children are increasing while child wellbeing is deteriorating. Young people today navigate a complex and ever-changing world, facing challenges and pressures in numerous aspects of their life. The social and emotional skills, knowledge and behaviors that young people learn in the classroom can help them to build resilience and set the pattern for how they will manage their mental health throughout their lives.

A sharp focus on promoting wellbeing, building resilience and good mental health will improve outcomes for children and young people. We all benefit when we identify ways to support each other.

One in 5 of children and youth under the age of 19 in Canada has a mental health challenge or disability. This means that at any given time, almost 20% of students in an ‘average’ classroom will be dealing with some type of mental health issue – making it difficult for them to learn and realize their potential.

Workshops and presentations will be led by postsecondary student facilitators with lived experience of mental health challenges. Student facilitators work with YMHC educators in workshop design and presentation guidelines.

To request a one-hour workshop for your school or class, fill out the form below.

Invite your school’s parent and caregiving community to join you in promoting mental health and wellness and success at school – host a virtual parent workshop. Parents will have the opportunity to feel a bigger part of the school community by discussing ways to be a part of the education support team for students. Parents will learn techniques to help with communication, coping and problem-solving strategies, health and well-being.

Research shows that parent involvement in a child’s school experience greatly increases their chances for academic success, positive behavior, higher self-esteem, better attendance and greater motivation. Parents are key sources of information about their child. They are their child’s first teachers. They have key strengths and insights that can contribute to the educational process. When schools and families work together to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but also throughout life. (National PTA, n.a.; Newman L. 2005; Henderson and Berla, 1997).

Our parent workshops and presentations combine evidence-based research and practical, actionable strategies to help inform and inspire healthy dialogue about children’s mental health and learning issues.