The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a tidal wave of youth mental health issues in Haldimand-Norfolk, and more recent challenges have piled on worries for local children and teens
“Youth are dealing with multiple stressors like never before, from climate stress to worry about war to academic stressors,” said Scot Cooper, group services manager with Haldimand-Norfolk REACH, the rural region’s leading youth mental health agency
Referrals to REACH jumped 135 per cent after the pandemic and have stayed high, with nearly 500 local youth recommended for therapy over the past year, Cooper said
“Families are struggling as gas prices are high and food prices are off the charts, and kids are bumping up against that,” he said
All those stressors can create feelings of “worry, sadness and struggle” in children and teens, Cooper added
One antidote is to get outside
“We know being active and being outdoors is one of the best things you can do for your mental wellness,” Cooper said
Working with a local cycling company, REACH created the Axtion Sports Jam for Children’s Mental Health in 2022
The free event — which returns for its fifth year Saturday at the Waterford Skatepark — sees participants demonstrate their skill on scooters, skateboards and BMX bikes
Daredevils can vie for prizes or take part in non-competitive “expression sessions,” with age categories from kids under seven to adults
“It’s not about who can do the best tricks,” Cooper said. “The spirit of the day is about participation.”
Attendance at the mental health jam has grown each year, Cooper said, with last year’s event drawing about 75 participants and several hundred spectators
“It’s a really fun, upbeat atmosphere,” he said of the daylong event hosted by motivational hip-hop artist Saidat, with music from DJ Missy K.Z
“Come show your stuff and celebrate your ability, whether you’re super skilled or just starting out,” Cooper said
Participants from outside Haldimand-Norfolk are encouraged to attend, and kids with accessibility issues are welcome to take part using nonmotorized action sports equipment
The event is not a fundraiser, with the focus solely on extolling the mental health benefits of getting outside and spending time with friends
“Move well, mood well,” said Cooper, who sees action sports as “a really fitting metaphor” for mental fitness
“It’s about supporting each other, perseverance, learning how to fall down and get back up and keep going, and trying until you get the skills,” he said
Axtion Sports Jam 5 for Children’s Mental Health
Saturday, Sept. 19 (rain date is Sunday)
Waterford Skatepark, 159 Nichol St. W., Waterford
Check-in starts at 9 a.m
Scooter: 10:30 a.m
Skateboard: noon
BMX: 1:30 p.m
Free to enter
Helmets mandatory
All ages. Participants under 18 must have parent or guardian sign a waiver
Register at reachoutyouth.ca/axtion-sports-jam
J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada
