Building connection is one of the most important things we can do for each other. It’s important for people of all ages, but it’s vital to children and young people as they learn how to navigate and process the challenges we all face in our lives. Through personal connections, open conversations and non-judgmental support, we can help the young people we care about build the resiliency they need to meet their goals and face challenges with determination, confidence, and strength.

Families

Parents and caregivers can be hugely important in creating supportive connections for young people. For children and youth, knowing that it’s safe to share experiences, ask questions and seek support without the fear that they will be judged or punished is a major factor in their overall wellbeing. The emotional support that parents and caregivers can provide by listening to and empathizing with young people can have a big impact on their self-esteem, and by building trusting relationships we can help build their resilience.  

Social Connections

But it’s not only connection within the family that’s important. Friendships and connections with the broader community can also be an incredible source of support. Feeling connected to our communities, whether they’re cultural, geographical, spiritual or communities of choice (like social groups or sports teams), give us the sense of belonging that we all need. Feeling like we’re part of something helps us understand how much we matter, and knowing that we have trusted supporters who can encourage and advise us helps us feel safe and secure. Community connections are especially important for young people as they learn about the diversity of human experience and the many ways we all support and rely on one another. 

Community

Communities offer us belonging, connection and a sense of purpose. While these are important for everyone, they can be especially helpful to young people who are experiencing challenges with mental health or substance use. Understanding ourselves as members of a community shows us the value we all hold for each other, which helps reinforce our self-respect and treat ourselves with kindness. Connections with others give us trusted friends and allies to rely on when we need help or have questions. A sense of purpose helps us see our goals more clearly and imagine the futures we’d like to see. Together, respect, trust and hope can be foundational to our mental health and our overall wellbeing, and key to achieving our goals for mental health and substance use.

Stay Connected

So how can we support young people in forming supportive connections? Of course, the answer starts with us ourselves. We can make sure we’re available for the young people in our lives when they need us. And the first step is this: just get talking. Ask questions, listen attentively, and respond with interest. We don’t have to start with the big or difficult stuff—to start with, just asking about a young person’s day or their thoughts on a current event might be enough. As we talk with each other about the little things, honestly and without judgement, we build the kind of trust that will let us talk about big things later.

We can also help young people form positive community connections by modelling involvement in our own communities, and by validating and encouraging young people’s interest in participating in community events. That might mean encouraging a young person to join a team or school club, or to volunteer for an organization, but it might also mean supporting their love of a hobby or special interest, or just getting to know their circle of friends. There are many different ways of connecting with communities, and each of us will find the ways that work best for us. It’s also important that we acknowledge that sometimes, being part of a community requires effort—we might be asked to do something, or have to find time to participate in an activity. Acknowledging these things, and balancing our responsibilities and our own needs, can help young people understand that they’re not alone or unique in their struggles. Remember that sometimes taking a break is important too.

For children and youth already dealing with mental health or substance use challenges, community groups and supports specific to their experiences may also be helpful. Peer support can play a huge role in helping people meet their goals, and peers who share their lived experience may understand their needs especially well. Just knowing we’re not alone in our experiences can be an incredible source of strength. You can use Wellbeing to search for specific support groups in your area, or to look for online services that may be able to help you find what you’re looking for.

Community support has so much value for young people, and for all of us. However we approach community, whether through local connections, school or sports groups, or support groups for specific concerns, it can have a vital impact on our wellbeing, not only as young people but throughout our lives.