Ruby McGillvary was all smiles at the Youth-a-Palooza mental health awareness event at John Barsby Secondary on Saturday, Oct. 19. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

youth movement

‘Help is out there:’ mental health fair in Nanaimo focused on youth

Oct 20, 2019 | 12:03 AM

NANAIMO — While mental health is a constant struggle for many young people, there were plenty of smiles at a first-of-its-kind gathering in Nanaimo.

Youth-a-Palooza drew nearly 30 agencies to the John Barsby Secondary School gym on Saturday, Oct. 19.

A wide range of programs and resources from local organizations, government initiatives and crisis centres showed youth and families what help is offered for anyone struggling.

Organizer Matt Dunae said young people struggling in silence not getting the help they need can lead to devastating results.

Dunae himself was depressed and desperately in need of guidance.

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“It was those simple human connections along the way, those key people that I met with like the (Nanaimo Family Life Association,) Big Brothers Big Sisters, from the Boys and Girls Club that really helped me get through that.”

Dunae said events like Youth-a-Palooza put an important face on critical resources in the Nanaimo area, which can make it easier and less intimidating for young people to access assistance.

It’s hoped Youth-a-Palooza will become an annual event.

John Barsby student Ruby McGillvary said available programs, like being in the school’s touring band, helped ease stress and commotion in her life.

“We get to connect with people who are interested in the same topic. Reaching out to others is a lot easier than to people in your class….We’re like one big happy family,” the 10^th grade student said.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes