When a group of youth put their heads together to host a community event of course they're going to think party, especially as stray thoughts drift to the impending seriousness of back to school.
The Prince George Youth Action Team have partnered with Hadih House to put on a Summer Block Party where there will be food, music, games and prizes to be won while mental health and wellness will be promoted.
During the Wednesday event held on Porter Avenue between Quince and Pine Streets from 4 to 7 p.m. all who attend will be introduced to the Prince George Local Action Team and the Youth Action Team that's looking to reach out to those in the community and help raise awareness for mental health and wellness for youth and children.
Hadih House staff will also be there to let people know the house is in the neighbourhood offering breakfast Monday to Friday, a place to do laundry, hang out, watch a movie or take a cruise on the internet highway.
"This is the first time Hadih House and the Youth Action Team have hosted a block party together," said Jenessa Ellis, a member of the Hadih House staff.
"The Youth Action Team is in the first stages of its probation and we wanted to come out to the community with a bang," said Shari Wallace of the Prince George Local Action Team, whose purpose is to increase access of child and youth mental health and substance use youth services. They'd also like to know if families are getting the help they need when it comes to mental health and addiction. The Prince George local action team is comprised of approximately 50 people representing 14 organizations across Prince George and the Youth Action Team helps them reach out to the community.
"We wanted to introduce ourselves to the community, talk about what we do, why we do it and how we do it and also to engage community in the conversation about mental health," said Wallace.
Jared French, 22, joined the Youth Action Team because as he grew up he struggled with attention deficit issues where he found it hard to focus on learning at school.
"It was hard to grow up like a normal person would grow up because I needed to be on medication and school was really hard," said French, who credits his mom for getting him the help he needed. "If I didn't have her and she didn't know what to do I would be a different person today. So that's why I think it's really great for this program to come about because it's an easier way for youth to find out about where to get the help they need."
Join French and the rest of the team Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is free and although it's geared for youth everyone is welcome to attend.
