IN CRISIS OR NEED SUPPORT? Call Here 24/7 anytime! 1-844-437-3247 here247.ca

Thinking about suicide? 9-8-8 is here to help. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime. English and French.

You are currently on the:

CMHA National

Visit our provincial websites

National Volunteer Week: Alisha’s Story

SHARE THIS CONTENT

About three years ago I knew I wanted to change things in my life. It was at this time I decided to apply to become a Youth Mentor with the YouthTALK program while finishing the last year of my Psychology degree at the University of Guelph. I walked into this position unsure of what to expect as most of my experience had previously been working with children. However, we were all immediately connected as we knew we had the same purpose of being there, we are all passionate about mental health and making a positive change.

Fast-forward three years and I am proud to say that I am still a youth mentor with YouthTALK today. This amazing program has brought together youth who are all interested in making a difference in their community. We support and guide one another. The youth have made such an impact on me and how I view the mental health world. I am able to listen to the youth discuss relevant and relatable topics that are important to them and guide them in connecting these conversations to each other. This group comes up with amazing ideas to support youth mental health such as social media initiatives, engaging social media content, and creating lesson plans for teachers to use in schools.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to mentor youth who are just as passionate about mental health and change, as I am. I have learned so much from these valuable youth members that I will carry forever. During my volunteer time with YouthTALK, I decided I wanted to work with Youth in a professional capacity, which led to me pursuing a Master of Teaching so that I can implement and enforce mental health importance in the education system. I owe a big thanks to CMHA WW and all of the mentors that I have had in the past three years for all their continued support.

Thank you Alisha for volunteering at CMHA WW, you truly are #EmpathyinAction!

If you are interested in volunteering at our branch, visit: www.cmhaww.ca/getinvolved/volunteer,
We are also in need of event volunteers for our upcoming Shopper’s Run for Women on May 15th, click here to learn more.

 

 

Skip to content