New Roots Program

8 Week program For youth ages 11-14 (middle school) who are self-motivated to participate in a supportive group counselling environment to take charge of the way anxiety and worry is impacting their lives.

New Roots is a nature-based wellness program for youth who are looking to develop healthy strategies to cope with stress and anxiety. Within a supportive group of peers, youth will have the chance to pause from the hectic demands of life to reconnect with their Self and the natural world. Participants will have the chance to play games, learn team initiatives, mindfulness, take part in environmental restoration, nature connection, and learn effective tools for cultivating a peaceful state of mind. We will expand on the youth’s resources to take charge of anxiety and worry, and redefine its impact on their life. Following involvement in this group, youth will have a rich understanding and appreciation for their strengths and resources, along with specific strategies for overcoming difficulties.

Parent/guardian support evenings:

We are excited to be able to offer 2 evening sessions for parents/guardians to gather together in community to learn strategies for best supporting their youth as they navigate through life. We value a family systems approach to well-being, where parents/guardians are learning the same tools as their youth, and can be on the same page in tackling stress and anxiety (which us adults often experience too). Each session will be tailored to the needs of that group of parents, and will present on topics such as understanding anxiety and how it impacts our nervous system; the avoidance cycle; strategies for connecting with your youth, and helping them take charge of anxiety. Our request is that at least one parent/guardian are able to attend these sessions, but more are welcome and encouraged.

Parent/guardian support sessions, dates and location TBD

For more information, please contact Zahura, [email protected]

• People of all genders, sexualities, bodies, ancestries, cultures, and abilities are welcome. Maximum of 12 participants.

If you want to contribute to keeping New Roots accessible to all, donate here.