Compassion Canada’s Post

We so appreciate this essay by Emily Heeren, Director of Programs and Partnerships at BadMidbar — a non-profit organization that provides youth-focused and evidence-based mental health programs and services that integrate Jewish practices, wisdom, and traditions. BaMidbar has also been a long-time partner of JAAN. In her essay, Emily writes about seeing first-hand the impact of the mental crisis on Jewish teens and young adults, and at times feeling at a lost about how to address it. “I’ve spent the last six years working closely and collaborating with BaMidbar’s clinical team: implementing treatment plans, developing ways to leverage Judaism, the natural environment…to help our students and clients explore challenge, resilience and identity,” she writes. “I’m supposed to have answers. People expect me to have ideas about what’s needed; how to help. They want my opinions on ways to fix the ravaged well-being of a generation of teens who’ve been through a pandemic; I’m asked how to bolster a community reeling from the events and global repercussions of a war happening so far away and, at the same time, so close to home.” Emily has come to understand that the current mental health crisis cannot be solved by clinicians alone, and that it will take communities of people engaging with one another to build healthy relationships. “…we do better when we feel safe with and connected to other people,” she writes. “If we can create positive, meaningful, interpersonal connections, we can create caring communities. If we can create caring communities, we can also create communal environments that help individuals grow increasingly resilient over time.” “And what is Judaism, if not an in-depth recipe for community and resilience?” Beautifully said. We encourage you to read Emily’s entire piece here: https://lnkd.in/eC_BQ5b4 #JewishYouth #JewishTeens #JewishMentalHealth

As North Carolina's immigrant population grows, policy must take into account that immigrant populations can face unique challenges and stressors that impact mental well-being. Understanding and addressing these specific needs is vital to ensuring equitable mental health care. We are happy to share the results of recent work with El Futuro to develop this landscape analysis illuminating the mental health gaps and opportunities for immigrants across our state. In total, 20 interviews were conducted with 21 individuals. Interviewees represented a variety of professional roles and immigrant backgrounds; however, a majority of interviewees represented a Latino immigrant and/or ethnic identity. Read more about the project and access the full landscape analysis here: https://lnkd.in/e5uemvtq #mentalhealth #immigranthealth #healthpolicy #northcarolina

❤️ As our nation’s children face a rising mental health crisis, Children’s Health Fund is committed to creating a future where all children feel a sense of love and connection so they can lead happy and healthy lives. For millions of youth, connection involves the use of social media. Up to 95% of U.S. youth ages 13-17 use social media, and about two-thirds report using social media “almost constantly.” As social media becomes more integrated in the lives of children and adolescents, concerns are growing about its impact on youth mental health. While social media can be a platform for friendship and self-expression, it may also pose risks to youth mental health as it relates to cyberbullying, self esteem, and body image. Research shows that excessive social media use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Every child deserves to feel safe, happy, and healthy—both online and offline. With your support, Children’s Health Fund can continue to advocate for policies that protect youth online safety and ensure they have access to the mental health support they need to thrive. Contribute to our “Healthy Minds, Healthy Futures” campaign today! 🌟 Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gJzDQ6ub #HealthyMindsHealthyFutures #ChildrensMentalHealth #GivingSeason

Are we truly nurturing our young? It's a wake-up call when you hear that 4.3 million children in the UK are experiencing poverty. Such figures don't just highlight a crisis; they speak volumes about the support we extend to our future leaders. 👶 Grassroots organisations are sounding the alarm—our children's future hinges on tackling this widening poverty gap. Poor children face daunting obstacles: educational barriers, mental health struggles, and even paths leading to criminality. A comprehensive strategy to uplift these children isn't just necessary, it's urgent. 🎯 Consider this: a wholesome school meal for all, sourced from our own UK farms. This isn't only about nutrition; it's laying the groundwork for equality and success. 🍎📚 And we cannot gloss over mental health. With 1 in 5 young people affected, early access to support can mean the difference between flourishing and floundering. We need a community-involved, holistic approach to truly make strides in mental health care. What message would you convey to those at the realm of decision-making? The conversation starts with us—and your voice matters. 💬 It's within our power to shift the paradigm and ensure that each child is empowered to excel, not merely endure. Want to contribute to the dialogue? Share your insights below or connect with us at rikama-education.com to make a more direct impact. Together, we build the future. ✅ #ChildPoverty #YouthSupport #EducationMatters

Are we truly nurturing our young? It's a wake-up call when you hear that 4.3 million children in the UK are experiencing poverty. Such figures don't just highlight a crisis; they speak volumes about the support we extend to our future leaders. 👶 Grassroots organisations are sounding the alarm—our children's future hinges on tackling this widening poverty gap. Poor children face daunting obstacles: educational barriers, mental health struggles, and even paths leading to criminality. A comprehensive strategy to uplift these children isn't just necessary, it's urgent. 🎯 Consider this: a wholesome school meal for all, sourced from our own UK farms. This isn't only about nutrition; it's laying the groundwork for equality and success. 🍎📚 And we cannot gloss over mental health. With 1 in 5 young people affected, early access to support can mean the difference between flourishing and floundering. We need a community-involved, holistic approach to truly make strides in mental health care. What message would you convey to those at the realm of decision-making? The conversation starts with us—and your voice matters. 💬 It's within our power to shift the paradigm and ensure that each child is empowered to excel, not merely endure. Want to contribute to the dialogue? Share your insights below or connect with us at rikama-education.com to make a more direct impact. Together, we build the future. ✅ #ChildPoverty #YouthSupport #EducationMatters

Every child should have the right to grow up safe, happy, and hopeful. But right now, too many teenagers are struggling unnoticed until a crisis emerges. A new government presents an opportunity for a reset – by taking action to focus on early intervention and prevent teenagers being swept into crisis. This is why we are calling on the new UK government to commit to #ActionBeforeCrisis and… Act to overturn the decline in children’s mental health and wellbeing Better protect teenagers from harm Commit to ending child poverty But, we need your help. Send a postcard to your MP and encourage your network to do the same. We must give young people the support they need to thrive: https://lnkd.in/eg-_cps3

It's Okay to Ask for Help! Asking for help is a crucial skill that provides the #support and guidance we need to overcome challenges, improve relationships, and promote overall wellbeing. It's a sign of #strength, not weakness. In 2022, in collaboration with Bundaberg Family Relationships Centre, River Nations, Family and Baby Network and Wide Bay Kids created a great local resource; The Seekers Tree. The booklet was first published as a guide to help families living in the #Bundaberg region #connect with services that could help them raise a family. Encouraging #helpseeking behaviour in parents and caregivers can have a significant impact on the health and #wellbeing of children. Parents and caregivers who are willing to ask for help and support when they need it are better equipped to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable home environment for children. This can lead to improved mental health, academic success, and overall wellbeing for children. In 2023, phase one of The Seekers Tree website was established. Resources like The Seekers Tree, created through #collaborative #partnerships, offers valuable support to the #community. Remember, no one has to do it alone. Visit www.theseekerstree.com. So, taking my own advice here and asking for help; This project is now seeking #funding for the second edition of the Seekers Tree booklets to be updated and printed and for the website to undergo phase two of development. Reach out if you would like to know more and if you may assist. #AskForHelp #ParentingSupport #TheSeekersTree #Bundaberg #Wellbeing #WelcomeToBundaberg #communitydevelopment Angela Twyford

Centre for Mental Health Save the Children UK the Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition (CYPMHC) have collaborated on the research and conclude that there is a ‘dual crisis’ of mental health and #poverty affecting #families, with the poorest children four times more likely to have mental health difficulties by the age of 11. Our work at Nip in the Bud is all #evidence-based films made in collaboration with #medical & #educational experts and families impacted by #mentalHealth issues - precisely to support #primary-age #childrensMentalHealth. We look forward to more conversation and ways we can help with the findings from this important report: https://lnkd.in/evDRiaTx

Mental Health Awareness Month : •Black adults living below the poverty line are more than twice as likely to report serious psychological distress than those with more financial security. • Black emerging adults (ages 18-25) also experience higher rates of mental health problems and lower rates of mental health service utilization compared to White emerging adults, and older Black adults. • Black adults living below the poverty line are more likely to use emergency rooms or primary care (rather than mental health specialists). • Other common barriers include: the importance of family privacy, lack of knowledge regarding available treatments, and denial of mental health problems. Mental Health Awareness Month is the time for us to educate ourselves, and discuss how we can do our part to protect each other. Join GTIF, INC in supporting our community by volunteering or donating to support our growing efforts to provide resources to BIPOC / Low - Income Communities. Go to www.gtif4us.org to find out more.

#FearlessFriday Compassion is "a practical tool for creating a more just and equitable world, writes Ward Media LLC CEO Terry Ward. "Research shows that compassionate individuals and communities experience better mental health, lower crime rates, and stronger social bonds." "Compassion isn't about grand gestures or solving all the world's problems single-handedly. It starts with small acts: offering a kind word to someone on the street, volunteering at a local shelter, or supporting organizations that provide housing and job training. These actions, while seemingly small, can be life-changing for those in need and create ripples of positivity throughout our communities." Read more in the Quad City Herald: https://lnkd.in/g5vyaZmY #compassion #homelessness #humanity #practicekindness #compassioninpractice