I’m back on tour, visiting all of our TNM Groups across the province…. and this time, I’m bringing TNM’s New Program Manager, Jay Baker, along with me!

To get started with our tour, we visited our TNM Group in Kirkland Lake last week with our partner agency North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS).  

Even though we haven’t been able to do TNM Groups visits in person for two years now, our virtual visit transported us from the cold winter days to a warm summer day…as the adult allies planned a Beach Party-themed meeting! The adult allies and youth were decked out with Lei necklaces and themed Zoom backgrounds, and it felt as if we were in paradise. The adult allies are continuously going above and beyond when it comes to youth engagement by dropping off beach theme activities and snacks at the youth’s home before the meeting. 

We played many icebreakers during our group visit, such as Two Truths and a Lie, Never Have I Ever, and Trivia. I discovered so much about everyone on the line, such as how one of our youth is exceptionally good at axe throwing!

The last time I visited, I learned how students drive snowmobiles to school. It’s always so interesting to learn about the different traditions and norms in each community. Adult allies and youth shared with me that the community has a very competitive ice sculpture contest every year and how 9-year-olds can get a boating licence. However, most exciting of all was that some workers received nuggets of gold as a gift… let’s say I’ve already added Kirkland Lake to my retirement plan. 

During our visit, we discussed the possibility of having all of our northern TNM Groups collaborate and connect for an event or a meeting to get to know each other and engage more youth leaders. If you’re reading this and you want to join a TNM Group, click here to find one near you! 

Thank you to the fantastic adult allies and youth for such a warm welcome and all the laughs! Jay and I look forward to continuing our tour across the province and getting to connect with all the incredible adult allies and youth who are constantly shifting the needle to create meaningful change within the Child and Youth Mental Health sector. 

See you all soon on zoom, 

Fizza Abbas, Network Coordinator