SONG Strengthens Community Bonds Through Youth Mental Health Training: 21 Workers Across Northumberland Trained in Mental Health First Aid
Port Hope, ON – November 26, 2024
Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG) is proud to announce the completion of Mental Health First Aid Training for Workers with Youth, an initiative that provided free training for 21 individuals from partner organizations across Northumberland. This training, supported by Cameco — one of Port Hope’s strongest community partners — ensures that more people in our community are equipped to safeguard the mental wellbeing of our youth.
The training was offered to workers from Rebound Child and Youth Services, Port Hope Police Services, and the Municipality of Port Hope—key organizations that interact with youth daily. By providing this critical training at no cost to participants, SONG demonstrates its commitment to fostering connections among organizations working with youth and to building a community where everyone looks after one another.
“At SONG, we believe in the power of partnerships to create meaningful change,” says Miles Bowman, Executive Director of SONG. “This initiative is about more than training—it’s about creating a network of care for our youth, who are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our partners, we are taking tangible steps to address the ongoing youth mental health crisis and demonstrate that our community cares deeply about its young people.”
The youth mental health crisis is a growing concern across Canada, and initiatives like this are vital to equipping communities with the tools to respond. Participants in the training are now better prepared to recognize the signs of mental health challenges, intervene effectively, and provide support to youth when they need it most.
This initiative aligns with SONG’s mission to help young people connect with themselves and others, using music as a tool for mental wellness and social bonding. By broadening its impact through partnerships and community-building efforts like this, SONG is ensuring that every young person in Northumberland has the support they need to thrive.
SONG extends its gratitude to Cameco for their generous support, which made this training possible, and to our incredible partners—Rebound Child and Youth Services, Port Hope Police Services, and the Municipality of Port Hope—for their collaboration. Together, we are creating a future where mental health and community care are prioritized for all.
For more information about SONG and its programs, visit our Programs Page.