In collaboration with the Connexions Resource Centre, the Community Health and Social Network (CHSSN) has launched a survey aimed at English-speaking young adults between the ages of 18 to 29 living in the Outaouais.

They are hoping to hear about and collect information regarding the challenges that . . .

this focus group may face in accessing mental health and social services in the region.

The Youth Pulse Check Survey will help these organizations gain insight and improve access to services in the Outaouais. This survey is kept anonymous and touches on basic demographic questions including their age, where they are from, gender identity, employment status and if they are struggling financially.

It also questions their comfort level when it comes to conversing in French, how the ongoing pandemic has affected them, how much time they spend watching tv, using their phones or computers and how much time they spend playing video games and if they consume substances (alcohol, cannabis, opioids, over-the-counter medication or vaping) to feel better.

The survey asks if they are currently seeing a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or other mental health professional. It also questions whether or not participants currently have access to a family doctor and asks other general health questions.

“You’d be surprised to see how many people don’t have that very basic access to a family doctor,” said Michéle Gagnon, Pontiac Community Engagement and Outreach Manager for Connexions Resource Centre.

The overall response to the survey is going well so far, according to Gagnon who said both organizations will be sharing the data they retrieve from this initiative.

“It will enable us to plan and organize activities according to the needs of the local youth, based on the information we collect,” said Gagnon.

The survey is accessible until the end of March on the CHSSN website http://chssn.org

For every survey submission, CHSSN will donate $1 to the Kids Help Phone, for a maximum of up to $500.

The Kids Help Phone is accessible 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 or by texting at 686868. They also invite people to visit their website at https://kidshelpphone.ca. Where they offer support and counseling services to both French and English-speaking youth.

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