A new provincially funded child and youth mental health navigation website, StressHacks, is now available to the public. This announcement was made by Healthy Living and Seniors Minister Deanne Crothers.
“Through consultations, we have heard that there is a need to build greater awareness of the resources and services available for youth within our province and how to access them,” said Minister Crothers. “StressHacks is a step forward in addressing this need and provides important tips to protect and promote positive mental health, as well as links to a range of resources for young Manitobans, their families, friends, teachers and others who care about them.”
StressHacks adds to the province’s $2-million investment in a comprehensive, multi-year children and youth mental health strategy. The minister said the idea to develop this website arose from consultations with provincial partners during the development of the provincial mental health strategic plan, Rising to the Challenge, in 2011, as well as consultations undertaken to inform the youth mental health strategy. The group identified a lack of easily available information on how to access local and provincial mental health supports and services for young Manitobans.
The Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre (MATC), with support from the Manitoba government, developed the content and design with feedback from stakeholders. The site is geared toward children and youth between the ages of 10 and 24. It provides quick suggestions, or hacks, that will help individuals to decide if and when they need help, how to find help, and offer self-help tips and resources.
The site will also assist users to locate a range of local and provincial mental health supports and services by providing links, resources and a Services Map (geo-locator) developed by Manitoba eHealth.
“MATC is very pleased to be involved in this initiative. We feel strongly that the use of technology can play a large role in supporting youth, families, caregivers, educators and helpers when they are seeking information about mental health issues,” said Marg Synyshyn, chief executive officer, Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre. “StressHacks provides current, credible and relevant mental health information, as well as indicating where mental health services can be accessed in the province.”
