Canadian youth facing mental health barriers receive help thanks to employment program

Toronto, ON, November 22, 2018 – Youth Employment Services (YES), Canada’s leader in reducing youth unemployment for the past 50 years, is celebrating a multi-year commitment from Manulife aimed at growing mental health support for young people seeking employment.

Mental health issues are becoming increasingly common. In fact, it is estimated that 10-20% of young Canadians face a mental health challenge. Our youth suicide rate is also the third highest in the industrialized world – suicide being the second highest cause of death among Canadians aged 15 to 24. The stigma attached to mental illness prevents many young people from seeking treatment – sadly, only one out of five young people who need help will receive it.

“This generous gift from Manulife will ensure that more young people will receive the critical support they need to overcome barriers, manage their mental health and be able to better contribute to the community,” said Sinead McCarthy, Vice President, Youth Employment Services.

“Manulife aims to inspire people to make well-informed choices that will help them live longer and healthier lives. This is one of the many reasons why we are excited to work with YES in empowering young Canadians and helping open more doors for them to thrive in the workforce,” said Donna Lowe Carbell, Senior Vice President, Group Benefits at Manulife.

Employment is an extremely important part of any person’s mental health journey towards recovery. It can contribute to one’s identity by creating new social networks and by giving a person a sense of purpose through their valued work in the community. The commitment between YES and Manulife will enable young people facing mental health challenges to learn important employment skills, gain confidence and independence, participate in wellness programs and secure paid employment.

For more information on YES, please visit www.yes.on.ca

Youth Employment Services

YES believes that employment is empowerment and the cornerstone of safe and healthy communities. YES leads the Canadian youth sector with innovative programs that empower disadvantaged and vulnerable youth to become self-sufficient contributing members of society. Over the past 50 years, YES has led the Canadian youth sector and helped hundreds of thousands of youth with innovative programs that have empowered disadvantaged and vulnerable youth to become self-sufficient contributing members of society through employment.

Contact

Youth Employment Services Timothy Lang, President and CEO 555 Richmond St. W Suite 711, Toronto, ON M5V 3B1 416 504 5516 x 229 tim_lang@yes.on.ca

Youth Employment Services YES is excited to be hosting our 50th Anniversary Celebration on October 24th, with Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney as keynote speaker and CTV’s Colin D’Mello as Master of Ceremonies.

The YES 50th Anniversary will celebrate the achievements of the hundreds of thousands of youth who have used YES services. This event will bring together youth, industry and political leaders who are champions of youth employment, entrepreneurship and empowerment.

We are also excited to announce that on October 24th the CN Tower and the 3D Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto will be illuminated in our colors- green and white in celebration of YES’ 50 years of service and helping change lives and create safer stronger communities.

This event is made possible through the generosity and support of our amazing sponsors.

Presenting Sponsor

Youth Empowerment Sponsor

Table Sponsors

Youth Award Sponsor

The Leonard and Gabryela Osin Foundation

In-Kind Sponsor