Just Be You

Just Be You | Shine Out! Shout Out! is a grassroots group that raises funds and awareness around youth mental health, in particular the Just be You peer support program for youth impacted by mental health or addictions.

Our mission is to give every youth a reason to smile, to feel connected, to know there is hope, and to know that they don’t have to be silent or alone.

Each year we hold the Shine Out! Shout Out! Women's Recreational Hockey Tournament in support of the Just Be You peer support program. This day not only is about playing hockey but also raising awareness and sharing resources and information related to mental health.

Working with community organizations, Just Be You | Shine Out! Shout Out! started the Just Be You (JBY) peer support program as a means to fill the gap for youth for whom there is no effective transition from the youth to the adult mental health system. Co- designed with youth, JBY is unique in its offering as a weekly social-recreational peer program that runs all year. JBY provides youth ages 15-25 who are feeling down, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed a space to hang out, have fun - without fear of judgment or stigma - to socialize, get supported on their terms, and to just be youth; to know that they are not alone at a time when they feel alone. Youth do not need a diagnosis to attend. Access is through the organizations that run the programs - ADAPT Halton (local) and Unsinkable (local and national()

The Program is offered in-person and online as a hybrid model. Youth do not have to be from Halton Region to participate. For the hybrid peer program, youth can join virtually from across Canada.

For some youth, JBY is a safe entry point in seeking support for their mental health. Often there are barriers to accessing mental health programs such as where you live or whether you have a diagnosis; we didn't want to do that for this program. Youth choose what activities they want to do whether it is just hanging out, having fun and chatting with each other, playing music or games, creating art, having someone to come in and speak with them, or participate in a community event - all at no cost for the youth. Staff trained in mental health and peer support are available for check-ins and one-on-one chats.

In addition to fundraising and raising awareness, Just Be You | Shine Out! Shout Out! has been and continues to be involved in advocacy, research, and speaking events presentations.