Proportion of Peel students in grades 7 to 12 reporting positive mental health declined by approximately 20% between 2013 and 2023.
BRAMPTON, Ont. – January 22, 2026. Peel Region is inviting community organizations to register for the new Youth Wellness Champions program, a peer-led initiative designed to help youth develop knowledge and skills related to mental health. After running this program in schools for several years, Peel Public Health is bringing the program opportunity to community organizations.
The program was developed by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and adapted by Peel Public Health. It is designed for use within community organizations and schools to help youth develop leadership skills while empowering them to support and promote positive mental well-being in their schools and communities.
In recent years, there has been a decline in positive mental health and an increase in mental illness diagnoses among Canadian youth. The proportion of Peel students in grades 7 to 12 reporting positive mental health declined by approximately 20% between 2013 and 2023. Most people living with a mental illness see their symptoms begin before age 18.
The Youth Wellness Champions program will raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and support youth and community well-being. Youth who volunteer in the program will receive training and develop skills to become community ambassadors for youth mental health.
“The Youth Wellness Champions program is an opportunity for organizations and agencies in Peel to support youth mental health and youth leadership development. Peel Public Health is proud to partner with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario to provide training for this program in support of Peel’s strategic priority to promote mental well-being in Peel, and our commitment through the Community Safety and Well-being plan to promote mental wellness and positive relationships between youth and families.”
Dr. Monica Hau, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Peel Region
Interested community organizations can register for the program with Peel Region. Public health nurses will support training for adult leaders and youth champions, who will use these leadership skills to develop youth-focused activities in their local communities. These activities could include community volunteer days, digital wellness challenges, monthly group physical activity outings, collaborative art projects and much more.
Organizational leaders who would like more information about the Youth Wellness Champions program can visit https://peelregion.ca/health/safety-well-being/youth-wellness-champions or call 905-799-7700.
Key facts on the Youth Wellness Champions program in Ontario
- Since the outset of the program, there have been more than 14 provincial partners, including public health units, health organizations and more than 167 schools.
- Across the province, there are more than 3,600 youth champions developing leadership skills, reducing stigma around mental health and promoting positive mental well-being in their communities.
- Youth participating in the program have implemented more than 2,400 activities focusing on stress management and physical and mental wellness in their communities. These activities include art, music and yoga classes, school clubs and physical activities.