Do you work with young people who are at risk of, or experiencing, mental health disabilities? Physical activity and exposure to the natural environment in parks, conservation areas and urban green spaces is good for both physical and mental wellness. Mood Walks for Youth in Transition is a capacity-building project to help mental health agencies, social service providers and other organizations reduce barriers and create new opportunities for youth (ages 13 to 24) to get outdoors and be physically active. During the May-to-October 2016 hiking season, 20 organizations across the province, working in collaboration with diverse community partners in both urban and rural settings, will receive training and support to launch a 10-week educational hiking program for young people at risk of, or experiencing, mental health issues.
Interested in hosting a Mood Walks group in your community? Expressions of interest from lead organizations are now being accepted. Visit the Mood Walks website to read the Call for Expressions of Interest for Lead Organizations.
Not sure how or if your organization fits with this project? Share concerns or questions by contacting project manager Jasmine Ferreira at jasmine@moodwalks.ca.
Interested in partnering or volunteering with a Mood Walks group? We’re also looking for student leaders, hiking clubs, sponsors, urban parks staff, and other organizations that can support the Mood Walks project. Read the Partnership Guide on the Mood Walks website, fill in the partnership application form and let us know how you’d like to contribute.
Mood Walks is a CMHA Ontario initiative, in partnership with Hike Ontario and Conservation Ontario, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
For more information on the program and how to get involved, see the Call for Expressions of Interest on the Mood Walks website.