“I’m very grateful that funds raised from this year’s Ottawa Blues for Youth will support the Youth Nominated Support Team, a suicide prevention program that has a very real impact on the lives of young people in our community. Thank you for your generosity.”
— Dr. Zachary Kaminsky, DIFD Mach-Gaensslen Chair in Suicide Prevention Research at The Royal
A story about Adam, and how the YNST helped him and his family
Did you know? Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults.
Can I tell you a quick story? Adam, a 17-year-old local teen had just been discharged from the hospital after he had attempted suicide. He was referred to the Youth Nominated Support Team (YNST) and personally nominated his mom and dad as well as his grandfather and grandmother to support him. Each of them spent one hour per week with Adam over a twelve-week period.
These caring adults are often scared, lost, don’t know how to help their loved ones and are exhausted. Pleo (Parents Lifeline) coaches them on how to communicate with their teen. They are taught to wrap them in an extra thick blanket of love, how to comfortably talk about suicide without smothering them, their interests, how to keep looking forward and not talk about the past.
At the beginning of the program, Adam had lost all interest in school and had no real future plans. Slowly, he began to improve and not only graduated from high school but got a part-time job and started developing a network of friends. His parents were thrilled and sent the coaches a graduation photo. Adam’s parents never expected him to graduate. His grandfather said that the YNST helped to change their lives. He always loved his grandson but now communicates with him so much better and he understands him. This relationship will continue to grow for the rest of their lives. The other team members said similar things.
Adam is just one of many success stories.
It costs approximately $1,200 - $1,500 per year per youth.
Donations up to $4,000 will be matched by Faulkner Real Estate and Flora Hall Brewery.
Free t-shirt with a minimum donation of $100.
Email Anita at otttawabluesforyouth@gmail.com to let her know your address and size.
Sizes available: Unisex S, M, L, XL
Images: Front and back of the OBFY t-shirt
