The mental health of youth is defined as a Vital Conversation by the Victoria Foundation, and the focus of their second such event.

B次元官网网址淚t really goes back to our last Vital Signs and that voice of youth that comes through that,B次元官网网址� said Sandra Richardson, CEO, Victoria Foundation. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not just about youth in the future. ItB次元官网网址檚 about youth now, and that they have a voice. We should be listening a little more closely.B次元官网网址�

The citizen survey results showed those aged 30 and under are more likely to say that improving access to mental health supports is a priority compared to older age groups; less likely to describe themselves as happy compared to older age groups; more likely to sometimes or often feel lonely compared to older age groups.

B次元官网网址淲hat that usually leads to is weB次元官网网址檙e a catalyst for change. We may not be that change, but itB次元官网网址檚 bringing in different partners and people to be able to look for solutions. The conversations carry on,B次元官网网址� Richardson said.

They embarked on a partnership with Coast Capital Savings and the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health Foundation of Vancouver Island as well as a youth advisory group from their Fresh Voices project to create the free public event March 14 at the Lansdowne campus of Camosun College.

Panelists include Chris Balmer, Camosun College B次元官网网址� counsellor and lead of the Student Mental Health and Well-being Strategy; Dr. Jennie Preuss B次元官网网址� Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist; Wade Maybie, Saanich Child and Youth Mental Health B次元官网网址� Team Leader; Zoe B次元官网网址on B次元官网网址� youth with lived experience of mental health challenges; and Taylor Mahovlich B次元官网网址� youth with lived experience of mental health challenges.

B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 going to be a good audience response,B次元官网网址� Richardson said. B次元官网网址淭he one thing we try and do with this is to encourage youth to attend. We are having a good result of that right now.B次元官网网址�

Following the speakers panel, there will be an opportunity for informal table activities and dialogue as well as refreshments. Note that food and table activities will take place in NaB次元官网网址檛saB次元官网网址檓aht, the Indigenous gathering place located just steps away from the Young Building. NaB次元官网网址檛saB次元官网网址檓aht is a Salish phrase meaning unity or working together as one, and this space is a place where people can meet, engage, and reflect. This is a covered, open-air space so please dress for the weather.

This Vital Conversation is open to the community, March 14 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Camosun College, Lansdowne Campus in the Gibson Auditorium.

Seating is limited, and pre-registration is required at .

Visit to learn more about a third in the series of Vital Conversations called Hey Victoria Tell Us About Your Drinking.