Local youth group honoured among this year's Public Health Champions

Algoma Public Health presented its 2023 Public Health Champion awards at its Willow Avenue office Wednesday prior to the monthly APH Board of Health meeting. 

The awards are given annually to an individual or organization that has helped to promote community health and advance health equity in the Algoma District.

One of three award winners honoured by APH Wednesday is the New Northern Mentality Youth Group, a group of young people dedicated to taking away the stigma and breaking down barriers in mental health care for other young people.

The group took the Youth Award for people 24 years of age and under.

With 13 members, it meets regularly at the new Youth Wellness Hub, a newly formed ‘one-stop shop’ for youth ages 12 to 25 located at 124 Dennis St.

VIDEO: Years in the making, Algoma Youth Wellness Hub here to help

“We are youth-led, improving mental health in our area for youth,” said 19-year-old Sarah Jordan, the group’s co-chair, speaking to SooToday.

“We obviously have a better knowledge of what it’s like to have mental health issues as youth in this current day and age than a lot of the mental health professionals who have already gone through school who aren't necessarily youth anymore,” said Arwen Cooke, the group’s 20-year-old chair.

Cooke and Jordan said the internet is one of many things that can negatively affect people’s mental health, especially youth.

“I don’t necessarily think that the internet is bad but there is that internet addiction side of things and people can use it to basically hide away from the world, so we want to encourage youth to get out and meet other people and engage. Engaging with other youth will benefit their mental health. Being out with people will make it better,” Jordan said.

The group meets with other youth at the Youth Wellness Hub every Monday.

“We also have other events throughout the year. We have our espresso cafe on Fridays. At our last espresso cafe we had about 100 people there. It was really amazing to see the community involvement with that,” Jordan said.

“I know that my own mental health has certainly improved ever since I started spending more time with people. Coming to this group has been really helpful for me. People have told me ‘you used to be so shy but you’ve grown, you’ve really changed,” Cooke said.

“I don’t feel that heavy weight of just feeling constantly anxious anymore,” Cooke said.

“It has improved my mental health and if others get interested in the group it will improve their mental health as well. My personal social anxiety was really bad before but I joined this group in 2021. I was very reserved, very shy. I thought I couldn’t go out of the house and meet people and now this group has helped me and I Iove to see how we help others. Others are inspired by the work that we do and it just feels amazing,” Jordan said.

Cooke is currently studying psychology at Algoma University.

Jordan is a manager in the fast food industry.

“We have a very safe space where we can talk and relate. We all go through the same struggles. We all go to the same place every week. We all meet up and I think it’s good to have that one-on-one where you can have a friend and have that safe environment,” Jordan said.

The group meets 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays where they have dinner together and record podcasts. 

They’ve also organized a pasta fundraiser.

The New Northern Mentality Youth Group started up at Algoma Family Services six years ago and moved into the Youth Wellness Hub when it opened its doors in December.

The group will be holding another espresso cafe at the Hub Feb. 2 where youth can also play games such as table tennis.

Shawna Mornix is another 2023 Public Health Champion honoured by APH Wednesday, winning in the Adult category for people 25 years of age and over.

Mornix is a mental health support specialist whose personal struggles inspired her to start up Kickstart Mental Health. 

Mornix also volunteers her time serving on the Brain Injury Association board of directors, Pauline’s Place and Strive.

“Shawna has become a beacon of hope, embodying the belief that wellness is not just a destination but a continuous journey for both individuals and communities,” stated an APH release.

Sault Community Career Centre won in the Organization category.

“Recognizing the multifaceted needs of newcomers, Sault Community Career Centre extends its support to various critical areas, including housing, healthcare, education, language training, skill enhancement, and employment support. By addressing these diverse essential needs, Sault Community Career Centre ensures that newcomers receive comprehensive assistance, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling life in their new community,” APH said.

“By coordinating newcomer cultural and social events in the community, Sault Community Career Centre not only fosters a sense of belonging for newcomers but facilitates meaningful social connections, which improves health and overall well-being.”

Past APH Public Health Champions include:

2022

• Connie Raynor-Elliott (Save Our Young Adults)
• Harvest Algoma

2021

• PUC Services Inc.
• Lisa Vezeau-Allen - Grocers 4 Good (G4G)

2020

• Leila Macumber – Serpent River First Nation
• YMCA
• Town of Blind River
• Dr. Cathy Groh – Elliot Lake Family Health Team

2019

• Elizabeth MacMillan

2018

• Andre Riopel