Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, Wellington-Guelph Celebrates 5 Years of Supporting Rural Youth

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) Wellington-Guelph is celebrating five years of providing integrated mental health, substance use, primary care, peer support, employment, education and social services for youth in rural Wellington County. Services are free and designed to be accessible without barriers for youth 12-25 years old. 

To mark the milestone, there will be three anniversary celebrations at the Fergus, Palmerston and Erin Youth Hubs.

Since opening its first rural sites in 2021, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Wellington-Guelph has grown to seven locations across the region, including five hub sites and two satellite locations, supporting more than 150,000 youth visits. The network now delivers approximately 20% of all Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario visits across the province each year. 

Through ongoing care and support, youth have reported significant improvements in well-being, including a 41.5% increase in self-rated mental health and a 34% reduction in suicidal ideation. The hubs are also improving access to care, connecting 80% of youth to services within 72 hours. Importantly, the program is reaching young people who may otherwise have gone without support, with 35% of youth reporting they would not have sought help elsewhere. 

"Five years ago, we set out with a network of community partners and local philanthropists to make it easier for youth in rural Wellington County to access support," said Jeff Hoffman, Executive Director YWHO WG. "Today, these hubs are safe, vibrant community spaces where young people can access care, build connections and find support before challenges become crises."

Anniversary Celebrations We're hosting Anniversary Celebrations at each of the three Hubs, with Open Houses for everyone happening at Fergus & Erin!

Fergus Youth Hub Celebration – ALL WELCOME!

Wednesday, September 23 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m | 900 Tower Street South, Fergus

Held as part of the Skyline Community Hub Celebration, attendees can:

• Meet the organizations that call the hub home: Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Wellington-Guelph, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington, Compass Community Services, Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington

• Connect with neighbours

• Learn about local programs and services

• Explore the hub

• Celebrate five years of collaboration and community impact

  
  

Light refreshments will be provided.

Erin Youth Hub Celebration: All WELCOME

Thursday, September 24 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m | 10 Thompson Crescent, Erin

Tour the space, connect with youth and partners, and celebrate five years of local impact.

Without the support of our community, we could not have welcomed more than 150,000 youth visits over the past five years. From in-kind contributions of space from Skyline and East Wellington Community Services, to generous gifts from individual and corporate donors, and funding through Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, every contribution helps ensure youth can access free, barrier-free support when they need it most.

As we celebrate what we've accomplished together, imagine what youth can achieve with your continued support. Help us build the next five years of impact by becoming a monthly donor and investing in life-changing services for local youth. Donate today.