Sport Workshops & Education Sessions

Canadian Mental Health Association (C.M.H.A.) services in York Region and South Simcoe. C.M.H.A.-Y.R.S.S. is one of the fastest growing chapters of the C.M.H.A. with more than 350 staff and 100 volunteers serving the community of 1.2 million residents who live in York Region and South Simcoe. We are committed to driving innovation and integration of services for the best outcomes and experience for clients, families, staff and community partners.

• Learn Practical Skills: Gain tools and techniques to support mental health in yourself and others.
• Understand Key Topics: Explore the intersection of mental health, sport, and everyday life, including how to manage stress, anxiety, and the challenges of social media.
• Support Youth: Equip yourself to recognize and address teen stress and anxiety, a growing concern in today's world.
• Build Communication Strategies: Discover how to adapt and communicate effectively in the face of mental health challenges.
• Enhance Well-being: Promote your overall mental health and learn how to foster healthier environments in sport and community settings.

Mental Health 101 provides an understanding of various mental health issues, builds mental health awareness and helps reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Participants will learn strategies for maintaining their mental wellness and for providing compassionate support and understanding to colleagues, friends and family. If your organization is just beginning to introduce and welcome conversations and key learnings about mental health, this is an excellent introductory course. It aims to introduce the concept of what is meant by mental health, common disorders and how to initiate stigma free and supportive conversation.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the spectrum of mental health and illness
• Understand and identify common mental health challenges
• Initiate the process for helping others
• Identify and connect to mental health resources
• Recognize key factors in promoting positive mental health 

This presentation will explore questions like, how does stress turn into anxiety for young people? How can youth overcome perfectionism and thought distortions, and how can we, as parents, educators and caregivers, support our youth through their most challenging times? We will identify the most common stressors currently experienced by youth and make connections between the mental health challenges youth are facing. We will provide strategies for identifying serious mental health concerns among youth, and explore techniques for encouraging, and engaging in safe, supportive and compassionate conversations.

Learning Objectives

• Understand and identify common mental health challenges for youth
• Address the stigma associated with getting help
• Define anxiety and depression and learn how to help youth prevent and manage
• Support and empower youth to overcome perfectionism and thought distortions
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide and learn what supports are available
• Learn strategies for engaging in safe, supportive and effective conversations 

This session teaches us all how to identify and respond to common mental health challenges with effective, caring and compassionate communication strategies, especially during difficult situations. With improved communication awareness and strategies like paying attention to body language and the words we use, we can insure that what we say, and how we say it, is inclusive, kind and effective.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the difference between mental health and mental illness
• Understand the effects of mental illness on communication
• Identify ways of adapting to situations and avoiding common communication slip-ups
• Facilitate caring, compassionate, supportive and effective conversations with someone struggling
• Debrief and decompress after difficult conversations 

It is estimated that more than 4 billion people use social media worldwide. While there are so many positives to having vast social networks right at our finger tips, this presentation will highlight how, a few of the ways we engage on social media, might be having a negative impact on our overall well-being. Though there is such a complex dynamic between social media use and our mental health, there are strategies for ensuring that we can engage online safely, meaningfully, and in ways that prioritize our mental well-being.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the dynamic between social media and the impact on mental health and mental illness
• Recognize the positive/negative outcomes of social media
• Generate awareness on how social media makes us feel
• Learn and practice safe, meaningful and positive social media engagement and relationships
• Learn strategies for protecting ourselves from online bullying, trolling, privacy breach, dependency etc. 

Flex for Access

Flex for Access’ vision is to help societal perception of physical disability, evolve. And to allow all individuals regardless of limitations, fitness level and interest, the ability to be engaged in exercise and sport. Jess’ goal was to allow people from different parts of the City of Toronto, and the world to join the conversation in understanding what Cerebral Palsy (C.P.) is, and how spasticity, which is tightness of the muscles, affects individuals with C.P. which is where the organization retains the name Flex for Access Inc., from. Most importantly, is not just developing an understanding of C.P., and other physical disabilities, but recognizing fitness and sport as central to their management and one’s quality of life and lifestyle. Visit the Flex for Access website to learn more.

Non-Profit Organization Mandate

Through maximizing awareness and education – Flex for Access is a Non-Profit Organization which develops opportunities for Adaptive Fitness and Sport for people with physical disabilities within mainstream fitness and sport settings. The organization creates awareness of the importance of physical literacy and fitness and sport as a means of disability management, and thus builds professional capacity to create these opportunities in partnership with professionals and educators and creates actionable opportunities for adaptive fitness and sport. 

How Flex for Access Works as a Non-Profit Organization and Where the Funding is Allocated

Flex for Access operates as a Non-Profit Organization that liaises with other sport and fitness organizations, academic institutions, associations, fitness facilities and sport companies. The funding raised by Flex for Access is disbursed to the fitness/recreation facilities, universities and colleges, and sports-based companies through a comprehensive application process. Funding is awarded to qualifying organizations and facilities that provide adaptive fitness programs, sessions, classes, sports programs, and adaptive exercise equipment. 

What Distinguishes Flex for Access from Others within the Sector?

Female high school students volunteering in the 'Girls Got Game' program through Y.N.B.A. can follow a four-phase certification pathway.

PHASE 1: Level 1 – Learn to Train Certification

• Attend the December 2024 certification.
• Additional 10% reimbursement via Y.N.B.A. available after completion of PHASE 2, resulting in 70% reimbursement of Level 1 course fees.

PHASE 2: Volunteer in Girls Got Game (G.G.G.) Winter Program

• Receive mentorship during the program to complete the evaluation for Level 1 Certification.
• The Town of Aurora will coordinate with Y.N.B.A. to confirm coaches who have completed Phase 1.

PHASE 3: Level 2 – Learn to Compete Certification

• Attend the May 2025 certification.
• Additional 10% reimbursement via Y.N.B.A. available after completion of PHASE 4, resulting in 70% reimbursement of Level 2 course fees.

PHASE 4: Coaching Role in Fall/Winter

• Stream to apply for a coaching role with Y.N.B.A. house league starting Fall 2025.
• Mentorship to complete the evaluation for Level 2 Certification.
• The Town of Aurora will coordinate with Y.N.B.A. to confirm coaches who have completed the first three phases.

This pathway provides an incredible opportunity for young female coaches to gain experience, receive mentorship, and build a career in coaching basketball. Girls-only spaces, whether in schools, clubs, or social organizations, offer a vital framework for personal growth, empowerment, and equality. They ensure that girls have the opportunity to thrive, grow, and feel secure.

This initiative aligns with the Town of Aurora's Sport Plan by promoting the development of local talent, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring high-quality sports programming. The Sport Plan emphasizes building a safe and supportive environment for athletes and coaches, and these certification programs follow that direction by prioritizing Safe Sport principles and accessible pathways for diverse groups. By offering basketball coaching certifications and targeting underrepresented groups, such as young female coaches, the Town is actively working toward its goal of increasing participation, enhancing skill development, and creating a sustainable sports community.

By leading these initiatives, the Town can ensure that local residents have access to quality training, helping to build a robust network of qualified coaches who will, in turn, strengthen the local sports programs. Moreover, by addressing barriers to participation, particularly for underrepresented groups like young female coaches, the Town demonstrates a commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and empowerment in sports. Taking this leadership role also enhances the Town’s reputation as a forward-thinking community invested in the well-being and development of its youth, creating long-term benefits for both individuals and the broader community.

Girls-only spaces, whether in schools, clubs, or social organizations, offer a vital framework for personal growth, empowerment, and equality. They ensure that girls have the opportunity to thrive, grow, and feel secure. Here's why they matter.

1. Empowerment and Confidence Building

In many societies, girls are often socialized to be less assertive or take up less space. Girls-only environments can help counteract this by providing a setting where they can express themselves freely, develop leadership skills, and gain confidence without the fear of judgement or competition with boys. These spaces encourage girls to take risks, speak up, and be themselves in ways they might not in co-ed spaces.

2. Safety and Comfort

Girls-only spaces provide a safe and supportive environment, free from potential harassment or discrimination. This is especially important in communities or contexts where girls may face gender-based violence or social pressures. In such spaces, girls can engage openly, share personal experiences, and support each other without feeling vulnerable or unsafe.

3. Fostering Gender Identity and Solidarity

Girls-only spaces allow young women to explore their identities, share common experiences, and build camaraderie. They can discuss topics like body image, menstruation, or societal expectations without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable, which helps to foster a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding.

4. Encouraging Participation in Traditionally Male-Dominated Fields

In certain areas, such as S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) or sports, girls often feel marginalized. Girls-only programs and spaces can encourage greater participation by removing societal pressures, fostering interest, and providing role models. For instance, girls are more likely to pursue S.T.E.M. activities when in a space free from the biases or competitiveness often present in co-ed environments.

5. Addressing Specific Needs

Girls often have different developmental, psychological, and social needs compared to boys, particularly during adolescence. Girls-only spaces can be tailored to these needs, addressing topics like reproductive health, body image, mental health, and self-esteem in a way that resonates with girls and young women.

6. Challenging Gender Norms and Expectations

These spaces challenge traditional gender norms by giving girls the opportunity to lead, explore interests, and pursue ambitions that may not be fully encouraged in mixed-gender settings. By offering a space free from typical societal expectations, girls can break stereotypes and build new paths for themselves.

7. Support During Transitional Phases

As girls transition through different life stages, like puberty or entering higher education, girls-only spaces can provide essential emotional and psychological support. Whether through mentorship, peer support, or education, these environments help girls navigate complex changes in a positive and affirming way.