Salvation Army in Barrhaven hosts new Youth Mental Health Program this Summer
The Salvation Army in Barrhaven is hosting a new youth mental health and wellness program over the summer called PhotoVoice. PhotoVoice was originally created in the UK and the organization trains facilitators and partner organizations virtually around the world so they too can offer the program in their communities.
PhotoVoice invites individuals to tell their own story and represent themselves and their emotions through photography. It’s an opportunity for people to express themselves despite any language barriers and to share information about their culture and life experience.
“Meeting virtually every week over Zoom, participants will take photos on their phone of things that are meaningful to them, based on the theme for that week, and share them with the group via WhatsApp,” said Christina Bulgin, Salvation Army Community Ministry Coordinator in Barrhaven.
Both Gakah and Reuben Nashali received training to facilitate the program virtually to youth aged 15 to 29 starting on July 6th. The summer pilot project will consist of ten youth participants.
“Both came to me and suggested the project to help support youth who may have been feeling especially isolated during the pandemic as there has not been as much youth programming available,” said Christina. “We were happy to support this program, which gives marginalized individuals a voice.”
Gakah says the program is an opportunity to engage youth to overcome the challenges in their lives and come together to talk about them.
“It helps people express themselves and take care of themselves,” said Gakah. “Young people today like to use digital images to tell stories, so this is a great way to communicate how they are feeling.”
Nashali says he got involved in the project because it’s a great way to help break the stigma on mental health and allows people to communicate in a creative way.
Some of the themes that will be introduced in the program may include ‘What makes you feel safe?’, ‘What does wellness look like to you?’ or ‘What makes you happy?’
“When the program wraps up at the end of the summer there will be a small socially-distanced celebration, perhaps in a park where everyone can get together safely,” said Christina. For more information or to register for the program email Both at Bothg@spcottawa.on.ca or Reuben at Reuben@spcottawa.on.ca. For more background on the program visit www.photovoice.org.
To provide financial support to The Salvation Army, donations can be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, where donations can also be directed to a specific program or location.
By: Caroline Franks