Provincial COVID-19 Mental Health Resources for Youth

As COVID-19 continues to be a concern in our province, I am pleased to share with you the newly created Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub on Jack.org. Alberta’s government partnered with the Kids Help Phone and Jack.org to create this hub where youth, educators, and parents can find easy-to-access tools and supports. The mental health of youth is top-of-mind and a priority for Alberta’s government and for schools. The challenges and pressures brought on by the pandemic have brought have exacerbated feelings of stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness. I encourage you to share this new resource with the school community.

The youth-focused resources on this hub include:

• Jack Chapters – Youth-led, community-driven mental health advocacy clubs at schools or in the community.
• Jack Talks – Mental health presentations delivered to young people by young people.
• Jack Summits – Mental health conferences developed by youth, where young people within a region connect, strategize and learn from one another.
• Do Something – Tools to take small, simple steps that make a big difference to youth mental health and the mental health of others.
• Be There – Tools to support someone who may be struggling with their mental health.

I also want to remind you of the following mental health resources available to support students, families and school staff:

• Student Learning Hub – in particular, Mental Health Supports for Parents, Guardians and Families;
• alberta.ca/COVID-19 info for Albertans;
• Help in Tough Times; and
• Supporting Learning at Home.

Thank you for your commitment to promoting positive mental health.

Sincerely,

Adriana LaGrange

Minister of Education