The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa is a multi-service agency that provides services in French and English in employment, health and housing, mental health, youth engagement and youth justice. We work in partnership to develop, deliver and advocate for better conditions, services and opportunities for youth and families. We are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental and accessible environment where individuals 12 years and older can pursue their life goals and be encouraged in making informed decisions.
Spectrum Youth Group
We are a by-youth for-youth space offering a variety of programming including educational workshops, group discussions, art collaborations, counseling, and peer mentoring. We welcome those who are LGBTQ+ identified as well as people from LGBTQ+ families and other members of the LGBTQ+ community.
WHY SPECTRUM? The textbook definition of a spectrum is “a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary infinitely within a continuum”, and the word was actually first used to describe the way that light makes a rainbow of colours when separated using a prism! We thought this name would be a great way to honour the many identities of people within the LGBTQ+ community.
Impact for Youth
Spectrum can help with challenges like depression, anxiety and suicide while also offering practical support to navigate the mental health, housing and educational systems.
Replication
- Space for meeting
- Staff to facilitate group
- Budget for food, activities and travel costs
- Referral partnerships to support youth outside of the group
Contact Information
Ruth Dulmage
Program Coordinator
Youth Services Bureau
613-241-7788 extension 404
rdulmage@ysb.on.ca