The needs of youth who are in crisis or who seek support on mental-health issues are being met in Victoria, thanks to youthspace.ca, an online support network directed primarily at people under 30.
The project is directed by Need2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support, with major funding by the Victoria Foundation.
It offers peer-based, online emotional and crisis support, provided through a chat and text service, supported by staff. They support youth, whether they are looking for help for themselves, or someone else. The service operates between 6 p.m. and midnight.
Volunteers won’t give youth advice, or tell them what to do, but will offer empathetic support, explore options, assess risk, create safety plans and link to other resources. The program helps decrease risk, teaches positive coping skills and serves as a portal to life-saving intervention services, should they be needed.
“The service is instrumental in saving young lives,” said Justine Thomson, executive director. “Last year, we answered more than 3,700 inquiries, which speaks to the great need of the program.”
Research shows the online service allows increased accessibility and disclosure around issues, compared to face-to-face and phone support. It is successful in situations involving shame and blame, suicide, self-injury, anxiety, depression and sexuality.
The site also includes a discussion forum, a safe and supportive space where youth can explore thoughts, fears, feelings — and hear the struggles of others. Staff review all posts to screen identifying and triggering content, and respond to messages with empathy and care. Parents and other youth advocates can visit the forum to gain an insight on some of the issues and challenges facing young people today.
People can also choose to take part in Youth Talk Email Counselling. Offered through a partnership with Pacific Centre Family Services Association, professional youth counsellors respond via email to build a supportive online relationship.
“Our program addresses a gap in service for youth,” Thomson said. “We try to meet them where they are at, act like a bridge to other resources, help reduce isolation, reduce self harm and, in some cases, intervene.”
For more information, go to need2.ca/programs/youthspace.