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oe I NEWS ‘SURVEY PROVIDES A PLATFORM FOR YOUTH VOICES kyanchus@metroland.com 4 Young people often feel no one is listening, but in 8 & ¢ 2 5 z 3 KATHY YANCHUS. ia 2 = © £ the case of a unique survey census, 76,000 young people be- tween the ages of nine and 18 living in the four munici- palities that comprise this region and Halton Youth Impact Survey organizers would like to hear from as many of them as possible: From the northern param- eters of Acton to the west- urlington, the eastern orders of Oak- ville and everywhere in be- tween. Halton is one of four lo- cations in the count vited to participate first in initiative, supported by UNICEF Canada, the Cana- dian Index of Wellbeing, Medivae Foundation and the Ontario Trillium Foun- dation, to eventually "de- velop a national index of child and youth well-be- ing." “This is really unique in terms of it's asurvey for the community by the commu- nity," said Elisabeth Wells, Research and Knowledge Mobilization Manager for Our Kids Network (OKN), the Halton organization re- sponsible for rolling out the online survey, which until Jun reeThis is vosily focused on local data and informa- tion which is going to be used by all of our different partners and agencies that work together to support children and youth." It's particularly exciting for OKN and its partners to have the opportunity to collect Halton-specific da- Options. Savings. Guidance. You pick. We Plan. theifp.ca Pine VAUBGEXPERIE ta,aswellastohelpbuilda times," said Wells. "When we hear from them direct- ly, and learn more about their activities, thoughts and feelings, we'll be better equipped as a community (CEF Canada survey that will ultimately be used across Canada. "I believe Halton was chosen because we have a really solid reputation for to support their needs." doing this kind of work, so The key aspect for OKN we really bring together ismakingsure that there is diversity in the voices of the young people partici- pating, said Wells. work with children youth Participating in the sur- and families. vey isasimple way tomake and support all different organizations, There was no particular a huge impact on the com- impetus that prompted th the munity, said amber Sida. survey's release at qui, 16, one of time, however, the as Impact Survey AY oe demic p! a prime dors engaged by OKN to backdrop, Gee the per- promote the survey. ceived impact and anecdot- "The great thing about al evidence of howitisim- this survey is that it pro- pacting youth and chil- vides a platform for youth to use their voice, with a promise that community partners in Halton will take the results and youth feedback into consider- ibe dren, especially their men- tal health, said Wells. "Across neighbourhoods, everyone is concerned about our young people, especially in these extraordinary The survey gives young people the opportunity to way to wake you up to your share their own 1 Personal well- being and {how you are experiences doing ri; mendations on how G com, “Also, organizations in ity partnerscanincor- Halton can hear what we porate youth development saying and are big and well bee into their enough to make change and programs to help our well-being. Kids my age nine to 13 years old, do not have a lot of opportunities to share ine experienc- planning, said Amber. Youth ambassador Na- talie Kondrat said her friends thought it was cool to do a survey. “This isachancetohave _ es," said N: adults hear from us," said The youth 3 Halton are Natalie, 11. "It's kinda like its future. This is their doing a fun in quiz. ane community, and. they chance to prize should have a say in the eat.” things that are happening, "It'simportantfor youth said Wells. to participate because when you fill out that sur- vey it's a check in, and a To fill out the survey, go to ourkidsnetwork.ca/HY- Isurvey. SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT THEIFPRCA GIDDENS OPTOMETRY We are open but due to the current virus situation we are seein patients by appointment only. if you = are planning a visit (for routine eye > examinations, and repair, contact lens pick up etc), please cont in advance and we will arrange an appointment time for OPTOMETRY 4 ce f aie options available’ as < yp tic Wailable for you or sta: loved DOWNTOWN GEORGETOWN —_youi. This will help to ensure we keep METRO PLAZA, ‘83 Mill St | 905 873 1867 safe! 371 Mountainview Rd $ | 905 873 1861 , Please phi & Dr. Ben Dr. Andrea Dr. Stephanie Giddens X Kozma Britton WITH THIS COUPON REDEEM m....%.............0 1 naturallyfresh.ca © : : 416-809-6497 OTHER OFFERS. LIMIT ONE couPoN 4 158 Guelph St. Georgetown AAUSTOMER. This coupon is valid until June 30th, 2021 ‘CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH