Cambridge will be getting a new youth wellness hub to make it faster and easier for young people to connect to mental health and substance use services.
The province announced the new facility Friday but said since the project is in its early stages, a location is still in the works as is the cost and a timeline for it to open.
The hub will be one of 10 new hubs the government is adding to the network of 22 hubs bringing the total to 32 across the province.
"Healthcare is essential to the well-being of our community, and mental health plays a critical role in that. These Youth Wellness Hubs are a proactive way to address challenges early on," said Cambridge MPP Brian Riddell in a press release.
"I’m excited to welcome this new hub, which will significantly enhance access to mental health support for our youth in Cambridge."
Once opened, the new hub will connect youth aged 12 to 25 in Cambridge to convenient and free mental health, substance use and primary care services in a safe, youth-friendly space. Other services provided through the hub could include access to community and social supports and employment services.
“The new Youth Wellness Hub in Cambridge is a big step forward for young people and their families. Having access to free, youth-friendly mental health and addiction services in one convenient spot will make it so much easier for them to get the help they need,” said Jess Dixon, MPP Kitchener South-Hespeler.
“This is about breaking down barriers and making sure young people in our community can get the support they deserve, close to home.”
Between 2020 and 2023, Ontario established a provincial network of 22 Youth Wellness Hubs that have connected 43,000 youth and their families to mental health, substance use, and wellness services, accounting for over 168,000 visits.
The hubs currently operating across the province are serving over 31 communities.
“Our government is continuing to take action to improve mental health and addictions services in communities across Ontario, and support people and their families living with mental health and substance use challenges,” said Sylvia Jones,deputy premier and minister of health in the release.
“As we expand the number of Youth Wellness Hubs across the province, young people in Cambridge can connect to the mental health and addictions care they need, in one convenient location, closer to home.”
The province says it is investing $3.8 billion over 10 years to fill gaps in mental health and addictions care, create new services and expand programs.
The government is adds it's investing an additional $396 million over three years to improve access and expand existing mental health and addictions services and programs.
"Through the ongoing expansion of our Youth Wellness Hub Ontario network, our government is making sure that youth across the province can easily access top-tier mental health and addiction support whenever and wherever they need it," said associate minister of mental health and addictions Michael Tibollo in the release.
"The new Youth Wellness Hub Ontario in Cambridge will provide a safe space for young people to feel supported and connected to a community, offering them the resources and tools to navigate life's challenges."