YWHO is dedicated to helping young people find the right services, at the right time, in the right place.
For too long, the different services that young people need have been disconnected and hard to navigate, neglecting important aspects of their mental health and wellness.
Youth Wellness Hubs are here to change that by connecting youth to many services they need in one space.
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is a network of 27 YWHO hub networks (with 5 more coming soon) operating across Ontario. These spaces offer a range of Integrated Youth Services in one place.
YWHO provides youth aged 12 to 25 with access to the services they need to support their mental health at no cost.
These services include:
Youth Wellness Hubs also provide skills and well-being activities, such as workshops, health and leisure activities, cultural programming, special events, and drop-in time. Community and social supports at YWHO prioritize youth interests and needs to improve their overall youth wellness.
YWHO spaces and services are co-created with youth, and youth are supported to take an active role in their own care. Services are accessible by walk-in sessions, booked appointments, and in some communities, virtually.
You might be wondering what to expect the first time you walk into a YWHO space.
Don’t worry! Our teams are here to help make sure the experience is as simple and easy for you as possible.
Every Youth Wellness Hub across the province offers no-cost accessible and inclusive mental health, substance use, primary care, employment, housing and other support services in a youth-friendly space. These services are available by walk-in appointments or booked in advance so you can access services when you need them.
Youth Wellness Hubs also host a variety of exciting skills and wellbeing activities, social groups and drop-in hours for youth looking for things to do or to build community connections.
When you first walk into a Youth Wellness Hub, a member of the hub’s team will greet you. They will help you navigate the space and learn what the hub has to offer.
The YWHO team will not ask you to share anything that you don’t want to, and they don’t require you to share your ID. You can choose if you want to access services or participate in a drop-in program offered at the hub.
YWHO hubs are open and inclusive spaces. You can drop in anytime during hub hours! During your first visit, the team will ask you about your preferred method of communication. This is to ensure you receive the information you need in the way you prefer. Any time you want to make changes, you can just let hub staff know. You are also welcome to connect with the team at any time if you have any questions.
YWHO hubs are open and inclusive spaces. You can drop in anytime during hub hours!
During your first visit, the team will ask you about your preferred method of communication. This is to ensure you receive the information you need in the way you prefer. Any time you want to make changes, you can just let hub staff know. You are also welcome to connect with the team at any time if you have any questions.
YWHO hubs offer many services such as mental health and substance use services, sexual health services, primary health care, supports for housing, employment or education, and more.
Many hubs offer a range of group and 1:1 sessions depending on your needs and local availability. During your first visit, you will develop a service plan with Hub staff and determine next steps. They will support you to meet any goals you want to set.
For those looking for more information or support, check out our collection of resources for youth. This list is always changing as new tools and resources become available, so check back!
