Port Hope council endorses Youth Wellness Hub

By Cecilia Nasmith

Port Hope council finalized its committee-of-the-whole vote in support of a Youth Wellness Hub in the municipality at its regular meeting Tuesday.

With Rebound Child and Youth Services Northumberland as lead agency, the hub is seen as a way to deliver services for young people aged 12 to 25 relating to mental health, substance use, primary health care and other social services through an Integrated Youth Services model.

Provincial funding is being handled through Rebound, Mayor Olena Hankivsky added.

Councillor Vicki Mink said she is hearing questions from many constituents about this project, but the Mayor could only help so much as Rebound is the lead agency and has not yet produced detailed terms of reference.

“I think there's enough information, at least at the front end, about the purpose of the hub, and there will be far more information coming in the coming weeks,” Hankivsky said.

“I wrote extensively about the Wellness Hub in my Mayor's Corner a couple of weeks ago.

“Rebound had a robust communications plan in place and, when the official launch happens on May 2 at 1:30, three ministers will speak to the project.

“As information comes, we will be sharing it.”

The motion council passed confirms Port Hope's endorsement of efforts to establish the Youth Wellness Hub, and the participation of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on the steering committee.