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Supports for Summer Mental Health

The mental health and well-being of students continues to be a priority at DCDSB. For some students, summertime can be challenging for a number of reasons. The disruption in routine and a loss of structure can affect anyone. Changes in sleep and eating habits can have big impacts. Less structured days can lend themselves to spending too much time online and can aggravate an unhealthy attachment to social media. Below we have highlighted some tips for summertime wellness, as well as resources that can be accessed for support.

For a list of mental health supports in Durham Region click here.

Parents and caregivers can access a tip sheet from School Mental Health Ontario to support the mental health and well-being of their child or teen through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Tips For Summertime Wellness

Simple but effective ideas to help anyone maintain their mental wellness during the summer:

Keep a routine that has structure and predictability; children and youth thrive on routine
Go outside and get plenty of fresh air
Adopt or keep up a schedule of regular exercise
Eat a nutritious diet and regulate your eating schedule
Get enough sleep
Stay in touch with friends and support socializing
Keep up with medication as prescribed
Maintain therapy or counseling sessions
Limit the time spent on social media and screen time
Join a summer camp, volunteer, or get a job
Get involved with social activities on a regular basis, such as sports, cultural activities, or hobby clubs

Resources:

Adjusting to the summer routine: Tips from Sick Kids

10 Ways to Get you Family Active This Summer

Action for Healthy Kids offers some tips on how to Create a Family Self-Care Plan

DCDSB's Social Work Access Line

During the period of July 5 to August 31, 2021, DCDSB’s Social Work Access Line will be operating on reduced hours, from Monday to Thursday only. Durham Catholic District School Board students and families can contact our Social Work Access Line and leave a message with their contact information. One of our mental health professionals will call back between the hours of 8:30 and 4:30, within one business day, and provide support. (Please note that a call received on Thursday may not be returned until Monday).

Note: this is not a crisis line and is not monitored 24/7.

Need Help Social Work Access Line The Social Work Access Line
Call 905-576-6150, ext. 21021 or
complete the online form, click here.

Crisis Supports

If someone’s safety is at risk and needs immediate help, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.

Frontenac Youth Services Crisis Team: 905-723-2802 (for youth age 12 to 18 years)

Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:30am to 5:00pm, Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm

(You may be asked to leave a message. If calling during hours of operation, your call will be returned within a couple of hours).

310 COPE: 1-855-310-COPE (2673) or TTY1-866-323-7785

After hours crisis support support for children, youth and families

Kids Help Phone:(for age 5-20): 1-800-668-6868 or text Connect to 686868 (24/7)

Live chat counselling (7pm to 12am): https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat-counselling/

Durham Region Crisis Response: 1-800-742-1890 or 905-666-0483 (available 24/7)

Support for individuals of all ages experiencing a personal or situational crisis

Distress Centre Durham: 905-430-2522 or 1-800-452-0688 or text 258258

Telephone helpline service 24/7; Text and online chat open 2:00pm to 2:00am
Online Chat: https://distresscentredurham.com/ontario-online-text-crisis-services/

Local Walk-In Clinics

Quick Access Services (formerly named Frontenac Walk-in Clinic)

For adolescents 12 to 18 years old and/or caregivers (family accompaniment welcomed)
Walk-in clinic sessions are available Monday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm (last session beginning at 6/6:30pm) and Friday 9:00am to 4:30 (last session beginning at 2:30).
Walk-in sessions are offered virtually (or in person when required/needed – and may be limited due to the pandemic)
Walk-in sessions operate within a single-session therapy model and used for multiple purposes: to be available as a stand-alone service, to be accessed as support for clients awaiting ongoing services, and to be accessed as “booster” sessions for clients discharged from ongoing services

How to access:

Intake referral must be completed through Central Intake Services:1-888-454-6275 (TF)
Please call 905-579-1551 Ext. 234 to schedule a session.

Durham Counselling Walk-in Clinic (DCWIC)

DCWIC is a free, confidential, counselling clinic, providing service for children and youth, 3 to 19 years (up until their 20th birthday) and their families
DCWIC is currently being offered in a virtual format via telephone
All appointments are pre-booked - Intakes take place the day prior to clinic day
Appointments are first-come, first-served and booked each week
Clinic hours are Wednesdays from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Website link: https://www.careachc.ca/Global-Assets/Programs/The-Durham-Counselling-Walk-in-Clinic

How to access:

For further information, or to book an intake, please call the Clinic Coordinator at 289-509-0603, ext. 3203.

Additional Supports are also available through Frontenac Youth Services and Carea Community Health Centre

Frontenac youth Services: https://frontenacyouthservices.org/
Carea Community Health Centre: https://www.careachc.ca/

DCDSB’s Social Work Access Line can also help connect you with services and supports available through these, and other community partners.

Service Directories

Please access the DCDSB website for a list of mental health supports in Durham Region, including crisis, non-crisis and culturally relevant mental health supports.

ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 or https://www.connexontario.ca

24/7 free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental health and/or gambling by connecting them with services in their area.

211Ontario: Call 211 | Toll-Free Number: 1-877-330-3213 | TTY: 1-888-340-1001

A free service that connects individuals with the complete range of government, health, community and social services in their communities.

Videos On-Demand

The following are videos and resources from some of the above workshops.

Trails to Wellness for Youth in Grades 9-12