Impact Story: Capital Region Mental Health & Addictions Association

Finding Confidence and Friendship at the Capital Youth Hub

“Last spring, a parent reached out to ask whether our program would be a good fit for her daughter. She shared that her daughter experiences severe social anxiety and finds it very difficult to make friends. After some communication, the mother and her daughter came to visit the Youth Hub together.

When they arrived, the youth was extremely shy and struggled to make eye contact. Her mother stayed with her for the entire visit, and they sat quietly at a table after I provided a few low pressure activities they could work on together. The youth did not feel comfortable participating and asked to leave early. Despite this, I was very pleased to see them return a few days later.

Over time, the youth continued to arrive with her mother, but after several visits she began asking her mom to leave so she could stay on her own. Even then, she often sat quietly at a table while other youth were in the room. This was a meaningful step forward. One day, the youth approached me and asked if I could ask a group of youth whether she could sit with them. I did so, and the group immediately welcomed her.

As the weeks went on, the youth became more confident and comfortable in the space. She eventually formed a close connection with another regular participant, and they began coming specifically to spend time together. I later watched them exchange contact information so they could stay in touch outside of the program.

Although this youth does not visit as frequently as she once did, she continues to drop in from time to time and remains good friends with the peer she connected with at the Youth Hub. The growth she has shown has been remarkable. She is now comfortable entering the space independently and participating without her mother present, which reflects the confidence she has built over time.”

-Staff member, Capital Region Mental Health & Addictions Association